Israel strikes Lebanon hours after ceasefire with Hezbollah takes effect
What's the story
At least five people were killed in Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks in southern Lebanon on Saturday. The strikes took place just hours after a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group came into effect. Lebanese state media reported that Israeli warplanes and drones targeted the Nabatieh area, destroying residential buildings and homes.
Truce details
Ceasefire agreed upon after escalation in Lebanon
The ceasefire was agreed upon on Friday after an escalation of hostilities in Lebanon. A senior United States official said the truce took effect at 4:00pm local time (1:00pm GMT) on Friday. The agreement was confirmed to the news agency Reuters by a senior Israeli official and two Hezbollah sources.
Diplomatic efforts
US, Qatar brokered ceasefire with Iranian support
The ceasefire was brokered through diplomatic efforts led by the US and Qatar, with Iran's support. Officials involved in the negotiations described it as an attempt to stabilize Lebanon's southern front and protect wider diplomatic initiatives underway in the region. The agreement came after one of the deadliest recent flare-ups between Israel and Hezbollah.
Ongoing operations
Hezbollah accused of violating ceasefire understandings by Israeli military
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Israeli forces retained full operational freedom to respond to threats, including in Beaufort Castle and the Ali Taher ridge. He accused Hezbollah of attempting to preserve military infrastructure and violating ceasefire understandings. The violence has complicated broader regional diplomacy, with planned talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland set to resume after being postponed due to concerns over renewed fighting in Lebanon.