Lebanon president says country is no longer a pawn amid Israel ceasefire

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect, with celebratory gunfire heard in Beirut as the truce began on Friday morning. The ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday, which also included Iran-backed Hezbollah in the cessation of hostilities. Joyous scenes occurred across Lebanon, with residents firing into the air to celebrate the end of fighting. However, the Lebanese army reported that Israel committed violations of the ceasefire, including intermittent shelling of several southern Lebanese villages. The Israeli military has yet to comment on these claims. The ceasefire marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on March 2.

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon began on Friday, April 17, 2026, after weeks of devastating war. The truce aims to potentially facilitate a broader deal between Iran, the United States, and Israel. While residents celebrated and displaced families began returning to their homes, uncertainty remains regarding Israel's complete cessation of strikes and Hezbollah's recognition of the agreement. The end to the conflict was a key demand of Iranian negotiators in the broader deal. U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the deal as a "historic day for Lebanon" and expressed optimism about the war with Iran ending soon. It is unclear whether the ceasefire will hold.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, starting Thursday at midnight local time, following six weeks of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump, with confirmation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated Israeli troops would maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah indicated willingness to participate, demanding a comprehensive halt to attacks across Lebanon and restricted movement for Israeli forces. Iran welcomed the ceasefire, having previously insisted it be included in their own ceasefire negotiations with the US. The conflict began after a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran, prompting Hezbollah to retaliate for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed the nation following a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which halted Israeli attacks that began on March 2nd after Hezbollah fired at Israel. Aoun stated that Lebanon would no longer be a pawn in regional conflicts and emphasized the transition towards permanent agreements that protect Lebanese sovereignty and rights. He expressed gratitude to figures like Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia for their assistance in achieving the ceasefire. Aoun affirmed that any future agreements would not compromise Lebanon's land or rights, emphasizing the goal of ending Israeli aggression, securing Israeli withdrawal, and enabling the return of displaced Lebanese citizens. Direct talks between Lebanon and Israel had recently taken place in Washington.

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has taken effect, pausing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The agreement, announced by Donald Trump, follows a devastating conflict that resulted in over 2,100 Lebanese deaths and displaced over 2.1 million people. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the truce and expressed hope it would lead to negotiations. While Trump invited both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for talks at the White House, Netanyahu stated Israeli troops would remain in an expanded security zone in southern Lebanon. The key question remains how long the ceasefire will hold, as both sides maintain their right to defend themselves if it is broken.

Donald Trump predicted that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon would speak, claiming it would be the first conversation in 34 years and happen "tomorrow." However, Lebanese officials refuted this, stating that President Aoun would not speak with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu until a ceasefire is reached. This stance is due to domestic pressure in Lebanon against deepening contacts with Israel while fighting continues. Lebanese officials conveyed this position to the Trump administration before Aoun spoke with Secretary of State Rubio and Trump, thanking them for ceasefire efforts. Despite Trump's prediction and ongoing US efforts to broker contact, direct communication between the two countries remains unlikely without a ceasefire.

Following a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US between Israel and Hezbollah, set to begin on April 16, 2026, displaced Lebanese citizens are hesitant to return to their homes. While some, like Abu Haidar, are eager to return to villages near the border, many others in Beirut express distrust in the ceasefire's stability. Having experienced previous ceasefire violations, many evacuees whose homes were damaged or destroyed plan to remain in Beirut. They are waiting for a more permanent agreement before risking a return to the war-torn south of Lebanon. The atmosphere contrasts sharply with the joyous return after a previous ceasefire in 2024.

Following a newly established US-Iran ceasefire, Israel's intense bombing of Beirut and other Lebanese cities has drawn international condemnation and threatened to destabilize the truce. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for negotiations with Lebanon focusing on Hezbollah's disarmament, but did not commit to halting the strikes, which have killed over 200 people in the past 24 hours. Iran has warned it may close the Strait of Hormuz again in response to the Israeli attacks, jeopardizing US-Iranian talks scheduled in Pakistan. Despite claims of progress by the US president, the ceasefire is in danger of collapsing as Iran insists negotiations are "meaningless" while Israel continues its bombardment of Lebanon. Pakistan has condemned Israel's actions and urged restraint.

Following large-scale Israeli attacks on Lebanon that resulted in significant casualties, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed his cabinet to begin ceasefire talks with Lebanon. The announcement comes after repeated calls from Beirut for direct talks. Despite the call for negotiations, Israel continues to strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, while Hezbollah also fires missiles into Israel. Analysts suggest the recent Israeli attacks may be an attempt to derail upcoming peace talks between the United States and Iran, as Iran has stated that a ceasefire in both Iran and Lebanon is a prerequisite for negotiations. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began as a result of the US-Israel war on Iran, with Hezbollah acting in defense of Tehran.

Six months after a ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza, the region remains in limbo with limited aid and unresolved issues like Hamas's disarmament. This milestone coincides with a new, fragile ceasefire in the Iran war, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of peacemaking efforts. The Gaza situation highlights the challenges of implementing comprehensive peace, including disarming militant groups, establishing stability, and initiating reconstruction. The U.S.-led Board of Peace, initially intended to address global conflicts, has stalled since the outbreak of the Iran war. The article suggests that the difficulties in Gaza could foreshadow similar challenges in the Iran conflict, particularly regarding the complexities of ceasefire implementation and the involvement of multiple actors.

Following deadly Israeli attacks in Lebanon that killed hundreds and threatened a US-Iran truce, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his government is ready to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon "as soon as possible." The talks, according to Netanyahu, will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations. This announcement comes after Lebanon's repeated requests for direct negotiations with Israel. Simultaneously, the Lebanese cabinet instructed security forces to restrict weapons in Beirut to state institutions, a warning to Hezbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated he is working on a diplomatic solution that is being viewed "positively" by international actors. The US-Iran ceasefire's applicability to Lebanon remains disputed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for direct negotiations with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and establish relations, despite ongoing tensions and no formal ceasefire. The talks, potentially beginning next week in Washington D.C., aim to de-escalate conflict amid a fragile ceasefire in the broader Iran war. These developments follow Israeli strikes on Beirut and concerns over Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz. However, US President Trump has expressed skepticism about Iran's adherence to the ceasefire regarding oil passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, technically at war since 1948, represent a significant step towards regional stability, though challenges remain.

The fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran is under strain as Donald Trump accuses Iran of violating the agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated Iran is not allowing oil to flow through the strait, causing disruptions to global energy supplies. Iran cites Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon as a reason for the blockade. Despite the tensions, a US delegation is scheduled to meet with Iranian representatives in Pakistan for peace talks. Trump has asked Israel to de-escalate its operations in Lebanon to facilitate negotiations, while Israel insists there is no ceasefire and continues to strike Hezbollah targets.

Six months after the October 10, 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Gaza remains in a state of instability. The agreement, intended to end a two-year war that resulted in over 72,000 Palestinian deaths, aimed for a comprehensive ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, increased humanitarian aid, and infrastructure reconstruction. However, reports indicate that the agreed-upon terms have not been fully implemented. Attacks continue, a full Israeli withdrawal has not occurred, and aid delivery remains insufficient. The promised reconstruction and prisoner exchanges have also stalled, leaving Gaza in a state of "neither war nor peace" with ongoing suffering for Palestinian civilians.

Six months after the declared ceasefire in Gaza, thousands of Palestinian families are still unable to bury their dead. Approximately 10,000 Palestinians remain missing, presumed buried under the rubble of buildings destroyed during the conflict that began in October 2023. The UN estimates over 61 million tonnes of rubble remain, hindering recovery efforts. Many families lack the necessary equipment to retrieve bodies, and civil defense teams are reportedly unable to assist. The situation leaves families like Abu Mohammed's, who lost four children and whose bodies remain trapped, in despair. Despite the ceasefire's aim to facilitate recovery, heavy machinery has not been adequately deployed to Gaza to assist in the crucial task of reuniting families with their deceased.

Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday targeted over 100 locations in Lebanon, resulting in over 300 deaths and 1,165 injuries in just 10 minutes. The strikes, which Israel claims targeted Hezbollah command centers as part of "Operation Eternal Darkness," hit densely populated residential areas of Beirut. First responders and residents described scenes of devastation, with many civilians, including children, among the casualties. The strikes used 1,000lb bombs. Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, condemned the attacks, asserting that they primarily killed civilians. The death toll surpassed that of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

Indonesia received the bodies of three UN peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon during Israel's invasion of the country. The soldiers, part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), died in separate incidents involving explosions, with one reportedly caused by Israeli tank fire. A ceremony was held in Indonesia attended by President Prabowo Subianto before the bodies were released to their families. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that Indonesia seeks a thorough UN investigation into the deaths to ensure security guarantees for peacekeeping soldiers. UNIFIL also reported that three additional peacekeepers were wounded in a separate blast near Adeisse. The Indonesian government has promised financial support to the families of the deceased.

In the month since fighting began between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israeli military reports striking over 3,500 targets in Lebanon. The conflict began after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in response to a US-Israeli attack that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel has responded with strikes and a ground offensive, claiming to have killed approximately 1,000 militants. According to Lebanon's health ministry, the conflict has resulted in 1,345 deaths, including civilians and healthcare workers, and over 4,000 injuries. Over one million people have been displaced within Lebanon due to the fighting.

Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon this week, striking areas beyond Hezbollah's control, including a residential neighborhood north of Beirut and the Jnah neighborhood in the capital. The Israeli military claims it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and killed senior commanders in Beirut. Strikes also continued in Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut and southern Lebanon. A health facility in the south was hit, killing a paramedic, and a building near Beirut's airport was destroyed after evacuation. These attacks follow Hezbollah's involvement in the regional conflict since March 2, after attacks on its ally Iran. The Lebanese army has withdrawn from some southern positions after an Israeli strike killed a soldier.

The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to leave Lebanon due to targeted threats from Iran and its proxy militias against American universities in the Middle East. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut describes the security situation as volatile, citing airstrikes, drones, and rocket attacks throughout the country, particularly in the south, Beqaa, and parts of Beirut. Americans in southern Lebanon, near the Syrian border, in refugee settlements, and in Beirut's southern suburbs are strongly encouraged to depart immediately. Commercial flights are available from Beirut Rafic Hariri airport, and the U.S. Embassy is offering limited emergency passport services. Routine consular services, including visa operations, are suspended, and travel to Lebanon is not advised.

The deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have prompted calls for Indonesia to reassess its Middle East policy. Analysts and lawmakers are questioning the risks of overseas deployments in the region and the limits of diplomatic protection amid escalating conflict. The incidents, which also injured five other peacekeepers, have led to pressure on Indonesia to intensify diplomatic efforts and seek accountability from Israel. There are also calls to evaluate Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace, which includes Israel, and its plan to send troops to Gaza as part of a US-led stabilization force. Indonesia's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks on the UNIFIL, citing a deteriorating security environment due to Israeli military operations.

Due to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, over a million people have been displaced in Lebanon, particularly after Israel issued evacuation orders for southern regions. This displacement follows intensified Israeli campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon, triggered by rocket fire into northern Israel. Displaced families, many from Hezbollah-supported areas, are struggling with overwhelmed shelters and are forced to sleep in cars or makeshift tents. The BBC spoke with displaced families, including children and pregnant women, highlighting their difficult living conditions amid the conflict. The situation is particularly dire as families face extreme weather conditions and a lack of adequate shelter.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warned that Lebanon faces a potential "humanitarian catastrophe" due to Israel's intensified bombardment and ground invasion, which began in early March. According to the UN, over 1.2 million people have been displaced across the country, including areas from southern Lebanon to Beirut. UNHCR's representative stated that Lebanon's shelter system is struggling to accommodate the increasing number of displaced families, who are living in constant fear due to the strikes. The attacks intensified after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The UNHCR expressed concern about the psychological impact on children.

In March 2026, Lebanon is experiencing a second large-scale Israeli attack within two years, exacerbating the suffering of its population amidst a US-Israeli war on Iran. Approximately a quarter of Lebanon's population has been displaced due to Israeli evacuation orders in the south and Beirut's southern suburbs. The renewed conflict began after Hezbollah retaliated for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, ending a fragile ceasefire that had been in place since November 2024. Israel has intensified attacks on southern Lebanon and declared its intention to occupy the region, leading to increased frustration and fatigue among Lebanese civilians due to ongoing violence, economic strain, and uncertainty about the conflict's duration. Foreigners are said to be the most vulnerable.

Due to expanded evacuation orders from the Israeli military in late March 2026, over one million people in Lebanon have been displaced within two weeks. Israel has ordered all residents south of the Zahrani River to evacuate north, threatening military action against those who remain, in an effort to target alleged Hezbollah positions and establish a buffer zone. This evacuation zone covers a significant portion of southern Lebanon, impacting over 100 towns and villages. The displacement crisis has overwhelmed shelter capacities, forcing many to live in dire conditions. Over 250,000 people have fled Lebanon, with more than 125,000 crossing into Syria, including thousands of Lebanese citizens. The destruction of bridges by Israel has further complicated evacuation efforts.