Beirut: A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has come into effect, according to a US official, following a sharp escalation in violence that left dozens dead in southern Lebanon.
The agreement follows intense Israeli air strikes that reportedly killed 47 people and wounded dozens more. The clashes also resulted in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers, raising concerns that continued fighting could undermine broader efforts to stabilise the region following recent tensions involving Iran and the United States.
The Israeli military confirmed that a ceasefire was in effect but stated that it would continue responding to what it described as immediate security threats. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has not formally confirmed the truce, although its Secretary-General Naim Qassem declared that efforts to eliminate the group had failed.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, reports from southern Lebanon indicated that air strikes continued in parts of the Nabatieh district after the truce took effect. Local rescue officials reported multiple strikes, raising questions about the durability of the agreement.
The latest developments have highlighted ongoing challenges in securing lasting stability. Both sides continue to face internal pressure, with Israeli officials vowing to respond to security threats and Hezbollah maintaining that resistance operations will continue as long as Israeli military activity persists in southern Lebanon.
The United States has announced plans for direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Washington next week, aiming to advance discussions toward a more comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.
