**Netanyahu Dismisses US-French Ceasefire Proposal** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected a ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States and France, which aimed to establish a 21-day truce with Hezbollah. This decision comes in the wake of three days of intense Israeli airstrikes that have resulted in the deaths of over 600 individuals in Lebanon. The US has refrained from calling for an immediate ceasefire, with diplomats indicating that such a move could imply a moral equivalence between the actions of both sides. The US government classifies Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, which influences its stance on the conflict. In related news, investigations have been launched into other officials, with federal agents recently conducting raids on the homes of senior members of New York City Mayor Eric Adams's administration.

**Middle East Crisis Update: Israel Intensifies Attacks on Hezbollah Amid Rising Casualties in Lebanon** Israeli airstrikes targeting numerous alleged Hezbollah positions have escalated amid growing concerns that the conflict could spiral into a broader regional war. Reports indicate that nearly 500 individuals have lost their lives in Lebanon as a result of the ongoing violence. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that warning sirens are once again sounding in northern Israel, signaling heightened tensions in the area. In a recent discussion, Guardian journalists Nimo Omer and senior international reporter Peter Beaumont examined the potential repercussions of the escalating conflict. Their insights highlight the complex dynamics at play and the historical context of the long-standing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.