Thirteen killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, health ministry says

Thirteen people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, according to the health ministry. This follows a three-week ceasefire extension announced by US President Donald Trump on April 23rd, intended to help Lebanon protect itself from Hezbollah. While the truce largely stopped strikes on Beirut, fighting has continued in the south. The US has been actively involved, with the embassy suggesting a meeting between Lebanese and Israeli leaders to secure guarantees for Lebanon's sovereignty and reconstruction, with US backing. A previous ceasefire in November 2024 was followed by Israeli attacks on Hezbollah targets. Retaliatory rocket and drone attacks by Hezbollah into Israel occurred in March after US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Following ceasefires between the US and Iran, and Israel and Lebanon, concerns are rising in Gaza about potential renewed Israeli military operations. The US-Iran ceasefire, established April 8, remains tense with ongoing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports. A three-week extension of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was agreed upon, though Israel continues to violate it. These regional de-escalations raise fears among Palestinians that Israel may intensify its military actions in Gaza, particularly given ongoing deadlock over Hamas weapons and future governance, which threatens any potential ceasefire in the enclave.

Despite a ceasefire in April 2022 and ongoing de-mining efforts, landmines continue to pose a significant threat in Yemen, causing deaths and injuries. In August 2023, 13-year-old Enaya Dastor lost her leg to a landmine explosion in the Taiz governorate, highlighting the persistent danger in former battlefields. Since the 2022 truce, landmines and explosive remnants of war have killed at least 339 children and injured 843, according to Save the Children. These "sleeping killers," planted during the civil war, turn everyday areas like fields and roads into deadly zones, impacting civilians, particularly children, who are often unaware of their presence.

A ceasefire has been established between Israel and Lebanon, initiated by Israel as a "gesture of goodwill" to enable negotiations for a lasting peace agreement. Leaders from both Israel and Lebanon have welcomed the truce, hoping it will allow displaced people to return home. Hezbollah has signaled conditional willingness to participate, demanding a complete halt to attacks and restricted Israeli troop movement. The ceasefire follows escalating tensions, including Israeli strikes on Lebanon in response to Hezbollah attacks, which were triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran. While Iran welcomes the ceasefire and expressed solidarity with Lebanon, there were initially conflicting messages regarding Lebanon's inclusion in the Iran-US ceasefire. Since March 2nd, over 2,100 people have been killed and 7,000 wounded in Israel's attacks on Lebanon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

French President Emmanuel Macron is facing criticism for his approach to Iran and Hezbollah as the Trump administration hosts talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington D.C. Israel requested France's exclusion from the talks, citing concerns over France's perceived lack of support in countering Iran and disarming Hezbollah. The talks, brokered by the U.S., aim to foster an agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah has called on the Lebanese government to cancel the meeting. Despite Hezbollah's actions, including violating a ceasefire by attacking Israel, Macron has urged Israel to cease attacks on Hezbollah's infrastructure in Lebanon. Some critics argue that Macron's stance is detrimental to Lebanon's interests and normalizes Hezbollah.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has called on Lebanon to abandon its scheduled direct negotiations with Israel in Washington. The meeting, planned to address ongoing border disputes, was intended to involve representatives from both countries. Qassem's rejection stems from Hezbollah's opposition to any normalization of relations with Israel. He believes direct talks legitimize Israel's presence and policies, and therefore undermine Lebanon's interests. The call adds further complexity to the already strained relationship between Lebanon and Israel, and casts doubt on the possibility of productive dialogue.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel a planned meeting with Israel in Washington, D.C., scheduled for the following day. Qassem reiterated Hezbollah's rejection of direct negotiations with Israel, calling for a "historic and heroic stance" by cancelling the meeting. The Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States were set to discuss potential direct negotiations between the two countries. Lebanon seeks a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict before engaging in formal peace talks, a prospect dismissed by Israel, who prefers to focus on formal peace talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his desire for Hezbollah's disarmament and a lasting peace agreement. Qassem believes these negotiations are futile without Lebanese agreement and consensus.

Amid ongoing conflict, Lebanon has stated it will only participate in direct negotiations with Israel, scheduled to be hosted by the US in Washington next week, if a ceasefire is in place beforehand. This announcement comes as Israeli attacks across Lebanon continue, with the Lebanese health ministry reporting a rising death toll of 357 and over 1,200 injured from recent bombardments. Israel claims its strikes have killed at least 180 Hezbollah fighters and targeted rocket launchers used to attack northern Israel. Hezbollah, in turn, has fired rockets at various locations in Israel, including the furthest strike yet on Ashdod, citing Israeli violations of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement as justification.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.