Middle East updates: Germany backs Lebanon cease-fire

A family of nine was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese border town of Shebaa, Mayor Mohammad Saab told the Reuters news agency.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported the strike happened at around 3 a.m. but published no further details. 

The Israeli military did not immediately claim responsibility for the strike.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, nearly 700 people have been killed in Lebanon this week as Israel dramatically escalated strikes against Hezbollah.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israeli officials and their US counterparts met on Thursday to discuss a cease-fire proposal.

Netanyahu's office said officials would continue talks in the coming days despite his apparent rejection of the US-led proposal. 

On Wednesday, the US and European countries, including France and Germany, called for a 21-day cease-fire to allow for negotiations in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

But Netanyahu seemingly rejected that on Thusday, saying Israel's "policy is clear."

"We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force. And we will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes," he said.

Despite this, his office later said Israel appreciated the US efforts.

"Our teams met [on Thursday, September 26] to discuss the US initiative and how we can advance the shared goal of returning people safely to their homes. We will continue those discussions in the coming days." 

Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib has called for an immediate cease-fire and has warned that the crisis in Lebanon is a threat to the entire region.

"The crisis in Lebanon threatens the entire Middle East," Bouhabib said. "We wish today to reiterate our call for a cease-fire on all fronts."

Bouhabib welcomed efforts by the United States and France to move urgently toward a cease-fire before the situation spiraled out of control.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah  militant group to agree to a 21-day cease-fire in her address before the United Nations General Assembly.

She warned of the harm an escalation would have to peace and security.

"A broader regional escalation would not bring anyone long-lasting security," Baerbock said.

Germany's top diplomat also said that the lack of progress was sometimes frustrating and painful: "We are not giving up on seeking a political vision for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live peacefully side by side."

"For me, resignation is simply not an option, because that would mean that the playbook of terrorism and extremism carries the day," Baerbock said.

Wednesday saw a group of states — Western nations such as the US, France and Germany, together with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar — call for a three-week cease-fire.

A halt in fighting is intended to create space to explore diplomatic solutions. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said a truce was not imminent and that it would continue with attacks in Lebanon.

kb/rc (dpa, AP, Reutes, AFP)