Lebanon-Israel ceasefire ‘meaningless’: Hezbollah

The country’s armed group Hezbollah has called the ongoing US-brokered ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel ‘meaningless’, a day after extending it for three weeks. Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities said two people were killed in Israeli strikes during the ceasefire and Hezbollah shot down an Israeli drone.
US President Donald Trump announced the extension of the ceasefire for three weeks after meeting with the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors at the White House on Thursday (April 23) local time. The ceasefire agreement between the Lebanese and Israeli governments was due to expire on Sunday.
Although the ceasefire has significantly reduced fighting, exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon continues. Israel has deployed troops in a self-declared ‘buffer zone’ there. In this context, Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad said, “Israel continues to carry out hostile actions such as killings, shelling and shooting—in this situation, the ceasefire is practically meaningless.” He added, “The destruction of villages and towns in the south has also made this reality clear.” Ali Fayyad said, “Every Israeli attack gives the resistance forces the right to respond proportionately.” It is worth noting that Hezbollah is not a formal party to the ceasefire agreement and has strongly opposed the Lebanese government’s direct contact with Israel.