Wed Oct 16 09:57:07 UTC 2024: ## Israel Refuses Ceasefire in Lebanon, Launches Strikes in Beirut

**Beirut, Lebanon** – Israel launched strikes in southern Beirut on Wednesday, despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire. The strikes followed a warning from the Israeli military for residents to evacuate, and one targeted Hezbollah weapons stockpiles.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed calls for a ceasefire, stating it would leave Hezbollah fighters too close to Israel’s border. He insists on a “buffer zone” free of Hezbollah fighters, and that Israel will not agree to any arrangement that fails to address this.

The U.S. condemned the bombing of Beirut and urged Israel to facilitate greater aid access for Gazans. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that U.S. weapons deliveries to Israel could be withheld unless the situation changes.

Hezbollah, in turn, threatened to expand its missile strikes across Israel in response to the Israeli attacks. The group claims the only solution is a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported eliminating dozens of Hezbollah fighters during exchanges of fire and airstrikes in Lebanon. They also captured three Hezbollah fighters in south Lebanon.

The escalating conflict comes as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza, where airstrikes have devastated entire neighborhoods. The U.N. has condemned the severe restrictions on aid reaching Gaza, calling it the worst situation since the offensive began in October 2023.

The current fighting marks a significant escalation in the regional conflict, with both Israel and Iran issuing warnings of potential retaliatory action.

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