Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, according to senior United States and Gulf diplomatic sources.
The truce, brokered through mediation efforts led by the United States and Qatar, is aimed at halting a recent escalation in hostilities that raised concerns over broader regional stability and ongoing diplomatic initiatives involving Iran.
Under the terms of the agreement, the ceasefire took effect at 4:00 p.m. local time. Israeli military officials said troops would remain in their current positions within a designated security zone in southern Lebanon and would respond to any attacks in violation of the truce.
The agreement follows a sharp escalation in fighting over the past 24 hours.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes targeted more than 80 locations across southern and eastern Lebanon, resulting in at least 31 deaths.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, launched attacks in southern Lebanon that reportedly killed four Israeli soldiers, including a battalion commander.
The latest violence disrupted ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region, leading to the postponement of planned talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland after the Iranian delegation reportedly declined to travel while military operations in Lebanon were ongoing.
Officials involved in the mediation expressed hope that the ceasefire would create conditions for further diplomatic engagement and help prevent a wider regional confrontation.
(The Whistler)