Summary
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting from 17:00 EST, announced by President Donald Trump. This temporary pause aims to reduce conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, an armed group based in Lebanon.
Key Facts
- The ceasefire begins at 17:00 EST (21:00 GMT) and lasts for 10 days, with a possible extension.
- Fighting has been ongoing between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon for about six weeks.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed Israel will take part but will keep troops in a 10 km (6.2 miles) security zone in southern Lebanon.
- Hezbollah agrees to the ceasefire if it includes a full stop to attacks across Lebanon and no freedom of movement for Israeli forces.
- The conflict started on 2 March after a joint US-Israel attack on Iran and Hezbollah’s retaliatory rocket fire into northern Israel.
- Over 2,000 people have died in Lebanon, and over one million have been displaced by the fighting.
- Israel says Hezbollah attacks killed 2 Israeli civilians and 13 soldiers in Lebanon.
- President Trump announced talks between Israel’s Netanyahu and Lebanon’s President Aoun at the White House to improve peace efforts.
- The US State Department said Lebanon is responsible for its own security, and Israel can defend itself if attacked during the ceasefire.
- Disarming Hezbollah remains unresolved, as Lebanon sees this as a matter for negotiation, not force.
