Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire following a sharp escalation in violence in southern Lebanon that left dozens dead and raised fresh concerns over the stability of the recently announced US-Iran peace framework.
A US official confirmed the ceasefire agreement after intense Israeli air strikes struck multiple locations across southern Lebanon, killing at least 47 people, according to Lebanese health authorities. The latest round of fighting also saw Hezbollah attacks result in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers operating in Lebanon.
The Israeli military confirmed that a ceasefire had come into effect, although military officials later stressed that Israeli forces would continue responding to what they described as immediate threats. Hezbollah has not formally announced its acceptance of the truce, but the group’s leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, declared that efforts to destroy Hezbollah had failed.
Despite the agreement, reports from the Lebanese city of Nabatieh suggested that hostilities had not completely stopped. Rescue officials said at least 12 air strikes were recorded after the ceasefire was scheduled to begin at 16:00 local time.
The latest violence has added pressure to the broader memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran, which included provisions aimed at ending hostilities in Lebanon. The continued clashes have prompted accusations from Tehran that Washington has failed to restrain Israel despite commitments made under the agreement.
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent days, expressing concern about civilian casualties and suggesting that Israeli military actions risk undermining efforts to secure regional stability.
The situation became even more complicated after Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reacted to the deaths of Israeli soldiers by demanding a stronger military response. His remarks further highlighted divisions within Israel over how to proceed following the ceasefire announcement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of seeking endless conflict and warned that any violation of the commitments outlined in the memorandum would be viewed as a responsibility of the United States.
The renewed tensions underscore the fragile nature of the agreement brokered by Washington. While the deal depends on all parties exercising restraint, political pressure continues to mount on both sides. Netanyahu faces domestic calls to maintain military operations against Hezbollah, while the Iran-backed group insists its attacks will continue as long as Israeli forces remain inside southern Lebanon.
Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin stated that the army would continue to eliminate immediate threats and respond to any Hezbollah violations while protecting Israeli civilians. Hezbollah, meanwhile, maintained its defiant stance, with Sheikh Naim Qassem insisting that Israeli forces would eventually withdraw from all Lebanese territory.
The latest clashes erupted after Hezbollah announced it had ambushed Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, claiming to have destroyed three tanks using guided missiles while also targeting troops with rockets and artillery fire. Among the four Israeli soldiers killed was a battalion commander.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 47 people, including women and children, were killed in Israeli air strikes, while 97 others were injured. Several towns in the Nabatieh district suffered heavy casualties, with deaths reported in Harouf, Haboush and al-Duweir.
Lebanese state media described the overnight bombardment as one of the most intense attacks since the conflict began. The scale of the strikes has deepened concerns among displaced Lebanese civilians, many of whom remain skeptical that any ceasefire agreement will hold.
Several residents questioned whether Israel would respect the terms of the truce, citing previous agreements that failed to bring lasting peace to the region.
The United States has announced that direct talks between Lebanon and Israel are expected to resume in Washington next week as part of efforts to secure a more permanent settlement. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has stressed that a comprehensive ceasefire and an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory are essential for meaningful progress in negotiations.
Lebanon became directly involved in the wider regional conflict after Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel following a strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign across Lebanon and occupied parts of southern Lebanese territory in an effort to push Hezbollah fighters away from its northern border.
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 3,900 people have been killed and over 11,600 wounded since the conflict intensified. Nearly one million people remain displaced, while extensive destruction has left dozens of communities in southern Lebanon devastated.
Although the ceasefire offers a potential path toward de-escalation, ongoing military activity and deep political divisions suggest that achieving lasting peace remains a significant challenge.
