Hezbollah deputy chief says group backs cease-fire efforts

Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem said Tuesday the group supports efforts toward a cease-fire in the spiraling conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border.

In televised remarks, Qassem cited attempts by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to secure a halt in fighting, which included Israel announcing new ground operations Tuesday in southwestern Lebanon and continued airstrikes in the Dahieh area of Beirut.