A 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon goes into effect

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.

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.

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.

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.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, starting Thursday at 5 PM EST, as announced by US President Donald Trump. The agreement follows conversations between Trump and the leaders of both countries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon. Trump stated he will invite both leaders to the White House for talks, aiming to achieve peace between the two nations, marking the first significant discussions since 1983. This ceasefire may also alleviate a point of contention in the broader US truce with Iran, which had previously requested the truce extend to Lebanon. The goal of the ceasefire is to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Lebanon.

According to US President Donald Trump, Israeli and Lebanese leaders are expected to speak on Thursday for the first time in 34 years, amid escalating conflict in Lebanon. Israel's military operations have intensified, resulting in over 2,000 deaths and displacing over a million people. The announcement follows a rare meeting between the US ambassadors of both countries in Washington. Iran's speaker of parliament emphasized the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon to his Lebanese counterpart. These developments occur during a fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan between the US, Israel, and Iran, though disagreements exist regarding its extension to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. The US administration is reportedly seeking a broader deal with Iran.

This article analyzes former President Donald Trump's tendency to declare victory regardless of the actual outcome. It highlights a past admission of financial struggles, a rare occurrence for Trump, who typically projects an image of constant success. The article uses the recent Iran conflict as an example, noting that Trump declared victory soon after the war began, even as Iran struck U.S. targets and disrupted global trade. Despite the new Supreme leader being more hard-line, Iran still possessing enriched uranium, and the Strait of Hormuz remaining under Iranian control, Trump maintains that the United States achieved its goals. He publicly refuted claims that his victory declaration was premature, underscoring his consistent narrative of winning.

Direct talks between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled for Tuesday in Washington D.C., a notable event despite low expectations for a major breakthrough. These talks follow a period of renewed conflict that began on March 2nd after a Hezbollah attack on Israel. Israeli air strikes have reportedly killed over 2,000 people in Lebanon, while Hezbollah attacks have killed 12 Israeli soldiers and two civilians. The conflict's impact on Israeli politics is evident as Prime Minister Netanyahu's popularity has been affected ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections. Polls indicate a close race between Netanyahu's coalition and opposition parties.

According to an analyst, a delay in Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's burial is a sign of crisis in Iran. Khamenei was killed in a strike on February 28 in Tehran. Forty-day mourning ceremonies began on April 9, but authorities have withheld information about the burial. The delay, according to Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad, indicates fear within the regime. Mojtaba Khamenei, the late Ayatollah's son, succeeded him but was also injured in a separate strike. He is reportedly recovering from severe injuries. The analyst's remarks come as US-Iran peace talks have stalled, raising questions about the regime's stability.

In April 2026, a Pakistan-mediated two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran was reached, marking a significant moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The agreement followed a period of intense conflict involving the US, Israel, Iran, and Iranian allies, resulting in widespread destruction of civilian and military infrastructure across the region. The conflict disrupted global supply chains and highlighted the erosion of international law regarding the protection of non-combatants. While the ceasefire is viewed as a chance for the US and Israel to de-escalate, its long-term success hinges on serious negotiations focused on achieving lasting peace. The article suggests that US negotiators should prioritize the interests of the American people and act independently of Israeli influence.

Following a tentative ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran in April 2026, Israel escalated attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in over 200 deaths and 1,000 injuries in Beirut and other areas. Israel claimed to target Hezbollah sites, including killing an aide to the group's leader, while Lebanese officials reported many civilian casualties. Hezbollah retaliated with missile strikes into Israel, causing no reported serious casualties. This recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began after the U.S. and Israel initiated a war against Iran in late February. The fighting resumed after a 15-month ceasefire, with Hezbollah citing retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader and Israeli aggression as justification for their attacks. A debate exists regarding whether the U.S.-Iran ceasefire applies to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

The Israeli military announced it killed Naim Qassem, a leader within the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, in a strike on Beirut. This action follows Hezbollah's entry into the regional war on Iran's side after attacking Israel in March, triggered by the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel has responded with forceful air strikes, resulting in numerous casualties. Prior to this event, Israel had been weakening Hezbollah's military capabilities and conducting targeted assassinations since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. Despite a US-backed ceasefire in 2024, Israel has continued strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, accusing the group of rearming.

In April 2026, a US-Iran ceasefire was announced. Prior to the ceasefire, former US counterterrorism chief Joe Kent warned that Israel could undermine the agreement. He urged Washington to restrain Israeli actions to ensure the deal's success. Shortly after the ceasefire announcement, Israel launched airstrikes on Lebanon, resulting in at least 254 deaths. The article suggests that Israel's actions could jeopardize the US-Iran ceasefire.

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.

Following Israeli attacks on Wednesday, April 9, 2026, hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon are struggling to cope with a surge of casualties. The attacks, which targeted over 100 locations across the country, have resulted in at least 303 deaths and 1,150 injuries, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The American University of Beirut (AUB) Hospital has become a central point for treating the injured, many of whom are children. Doctors are reporting shortages of vital supplies and describe the situation as unprecedented in its intensity, with many deaths and injuries caused by building collapses. The attacks occurred despite a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.

Due to escalating Israeli military actions, including air attacks and a ground invasion, over one million people have been displaced across Lebanon as of April 2026. Many families fleeing the violence in southern Lebanon are seeking refuge in schools and public buildings in the mountains, such as in Qabr Chamoun. These locations have been converted into shelters providing temporary housing for those displaced. The Israeli military campaign intensified after Hezbollah launched an attack in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli air attack in February. This recent escalation follows repeated violations by Israel of a ceasefire agreement established in late November 2024 after more than a year of cross-border attacks.

On March 30, 2026, smoke was seen rising from Beirut's southern suburbs following an Israeli attack. The strike occurred after Israeli warnings targeting the area. This neighborhood in Beirut has been largely emptied of residents due to forced displacement. These displacements have been a result of repeated Israeli attacks since the beginning of the war with Hezbollah on March 2. The specific target of the Israeli attack was not mentioned in the report.

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.

Since March 2026, intensified Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon have severely impacted the healthcare system. According to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, Israeli strikes have killed 53 medical workers, destroyed 87 ambulances or medical centers, and forced five hospitals to close. Experts and analysts suggest this destruction is intended to displace the population from the south. These attacks and evacuation orders are cutting people off from essential medical care. The World Health Organization has also reported direct attacks on health facilities. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah claimed an attack in retaliation for the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leading Israel to expand its strikes and issue mass evacuation orders, displacing 1.2 million people.

On March 24, 2026, an Israeli strike on a residential building in Bchamoun, near Beirut, killed at least three people, including a young child, and wounded five others. The attack occurred as Israel intensified its attacks across Lebanon, prompting new evacuation threats in the south. According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli army claimed it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in the area, while the Lebanese Health Ministry reported targeted assassinations overnight in Beirut. The Israeli military stated it targeted members of Iran's Quds Force, a claim they have made previously. These attacks are part of a broader conflict that began after a Hezbollah cross-border attack on March 2, displacing over one million people.

Israeli forces struck Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, on Monday, marking the first attack in days and claiming the capture of two Hezbollah members in southern Lebanon. Earlier, a strike hit Hazmieh, a Christian area near Beirut, targeting an alleged Iranian Revolutionary Guard member. The Israeli military stated it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut after urging residents to evacuate. These actions follow Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel, initiated on March 2, purportedly in response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader. Since then, Israel has launched strikes across Lebanon, resulting in at least 1,039 deaths and deploying ground troops into southern Lebanon.

Tensions are escalating between Iran and Israel. Recently, Iranian missiles struck two communities in southern Israel, injuring dozens and damaging buildings in Dimona and Arad. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the international community to join the US and Israel against Iran. Israel has also targeted infrastructure in Lebanon, destroying a bridge over the Litani River amidst renewed conflict with Hezbollah. Amidst these events, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz.

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.

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.

In March 2026, Israel conducted airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure linked to Hezbollah. The strikes hit locations including the Al-Manar TV headquarters and a branch of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-run financial institution. These actions appear to be part of an Israeli effort to weaken or dismantle Hezbollah. The attacks occurred in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, and other areas of the city. Photographic evidence shows significant damage to the targeted buildings.

Israeli air raids have intensified across Lebanon, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries over the past two days. The attacks, part of a wider conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, have targeted areas including Burj Shemali, Chihine, Marwahin, Jezzine, Beirut, Baalbek, and Sidon. According to Lebanese authorities, at least 45 people have been killed in the recent strikes, bringing the total to 968 since March 2, including over 100 children. The UN reports that over one million people have been displaced in Lebanon, with children comprising a third of the displaced population. Hezbollah claims to have destroyed six Israeli tanks during an Israeli advance into southern Lebanon.

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East, with Iran intensifying attacks on Gulf energy facilities following an Israeli strike on an Iranian gas field. Kuwait reported a drone attack that sparked a fire at an oil refinery. The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, trapping a large percentage of crude and refined products within the Persian Gulf. Simultaneously, fighting has renewed between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israeli strikes hitting both southern Lebanon and Beirut, including city center neighborhoods. These events suggest a widening conflict with potential global economic consequences due to disruptions in oil supply.

Since March 2, over 1,000 people in Lebanon, including 40 healthcare workers, have been killed in intensified Israeli attacks, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The attacks, which have also wounded over 2,500, followed rocket launches by Hezbollah into northern Israel after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Israeli bombardment, targeting Hezbollah, has displaced over one million people and included residential buildings and infrastructure. Hezbollah has responded with rocket fire into Israel and ground engagements. The UN human rights chief's office has stated that some Israeli attacks may constitute war crimes, emphasizing the need to distinguish between military and civilian targets.