Ceasefire negotiations in the Middle East hit a standstill on Friday as Hezbollah rejected US-mediated proposals, while Israel continued its attacks on Lebanon.

The Israeli strikes today resulted in at least six casualties, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirming that the war against Hezbollah in Lebanon would persist, and Israeli troops would not withdraw. Evacuation orders were issued to residents in nine locations in southern Lebanon by the Israeli Defence Force.

Hezbollah insisted that no peace deal would be reached with Israel unless all troops retreated across the border. Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon to dismantle Hezbollah installations, including a massive underground fortress.

Describing the fortress as unprecedented, Netanyahu vowed its destruction, emphasizing the need for security zones and buffer areas on the border to ensure lasting peace. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s leader dismissed the ceasefire deal as a “farce,” demanding Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanon.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, with over 3,500 people killed and more than 10,000 injured in Israeli strikes on Lebanon. The situation remains tense as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard insists on Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory for peace to prevail.

Efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, critical for global oil trade, faced setbacks as US President Donald Trump downplayed the importance of a ceasefire deal with Iran. Trump expressed confidence in seizing Tehran’s enriched uranium without such an agreement.

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, Hezbollah’s non-participation has led to continued hostilities, resulting in casualties on both sides. The conflict, fueled by funding from Iran to Hezbollah and Hamas, shows no signs of immediate resolution.