Trump says Lebanon not included in US-Iran ceasefire amid Israeli assault

Following a US-Iran ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on April 8, 2026, Israel continued its military operations in southern Lebanon, despite claims the truce should extend to the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the US-Iran agreement did not apply to Israel's conflict with Hezbollah. While sources close to Hezbollah told Reuters the group had paused attacks in line with the truce, Israel renewed strikes and urged evacuations in parts of Beirut. The US-Iran ceasefire, intended to halt a six-week war, was announced shortly before a US deadline and was mediated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Lebanese government reported it had not received official communication regarding a ceasefire that included Lebanon.

Yemen's Houthi rebels announced they joined Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon in coordinated attacks against Israel on Monday, launching cruise missiles and drones targeting vital and military sites. The Houthis stated their involvement, which began in March, is in support of Iran and as a show of solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israeli war on Gaza. Simultaneously, Israeli officials reported recovering bodies from a prior Iranian strike in Haifa. Israel continues to target Hezbollah in Lebanon, including strikes in Beirut and the south, claiming to target terror infrastructure and financial resources. Deadly strikes were also reported in southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties.

Despite a ceasefire announcement brokered by Donald Trump between the US and Iran, Israel has stated it will continue its military operations in Lebanon. The Israeli Prime Minister's office clarified that the ceasefire, intended to pause strikes against Iran for two weeks, does not extend to Lebanon. This contradicts claims from Pakistan, which mediated the agreement, that the ceasefire included Lebanon. The Israeli military is continuing operations against Hezbollah and has ordered civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate. While Trump's ceasefire announcement focused on Iran, it did not mention Lebanon, leaving the status of Israeli attacks there uncertain. Israel maintains that the conflict in Lebanon is separate and will continue despite any agreements with Iran.

Following a US-Iran ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, President Trump stated that Lebanon was not included in the agreement due to Hezbollah's presence. This declaration came after a significant Israeli assault on Lebanon, resulting in numerous casualties. Trump characterized the Israeli actions against Hezbollah as a "separate skirmish." Iranian news outlets reported potential retaliatory measures, including the suspension of oil tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz and a possible withdrawal from the ceasefire agreement if the Israeli attacks continue. An Iranian official stated that Tehran would punish Israel for its actions in Lebanon, emphasizing that the ceasefire should encompass the entire region. The exclusion of Lebanon from the truce raises concerns about the stability of the broader regional ceasefire.

A provisional ceasefire between the US and Iran has been announced, with Iran agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks. The agreement follows heightened tensions and an implied genocidal threat. While details remain vague, the ceasefire aims to de-escalate the conflict, with key issues, such as Iran's nuclear program, seemingly deferred. According to Donald Trump, the nuclear issue will be solved "perfectly." Despite claims from Pakistan's PM, Israel states the ceasefire does not include Lebanon. The agreement allows Iran to potentially begin reconstruction and generate revenue.

The US and Iran have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, effective immediately. The agreement allows shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil exports. This follows coordinated attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, and threats from President Trump if the Strait remained closed. In exchange for reopening the Strait, Trump agreed to suspend attacks on Iran, claiming military objectives were met. Iran issued a 10-point plan including a complete cessation of war in multiple countries, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and compensation for reconstruction. While the ceasefire is said to extend to Lebanon, there is no confirmation of Israel halting operations there.

A mother of newborn twins, identified as Ghada, told the BBC that her home in Lebanon was bombed, displacing her and destroying her belongings. She is among over one million people displaced in Lebanon due to intensified Israeli attacks on Hezbollah. Ghada and her babies are now sheltering in a university-turned-shelter in Sidon, Lebanon's third-largest city, which has taken in a large share of displaced families. The displacement is a result of escalating conflict, including Israeli strikes and Hezbollah rocket fire, despite a ceasefire agreement in 2024. Israel's Defence Minister stated plans to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, demolishing homes in villages near the Israeli border. The conflict intensified after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel in retaliation for Israel's assassination of Iran's supreme leader.

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.

Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least seven people, according to local media reports, as Israel's offensive against Hezbollah continues into its second month. The strikes targeted towns including Ramadiyeh and Kfarsir, destroying homes and resulting in civilian casualties. Israel claims to have killed 40 Hezbollah fighters in the past 24 hours, targeting weapons depots and launch sites. Since the offensive began on March 2, over 1,300 people have been killed in Lebanon. The conflict is part of a larger war that began on February 28, which includes the United States and Iran, and has resulted in casualties in Israel and among US soldiers. Lebanon's Prime Minister has stated the country is committed to stopping the war and condemns violations of its sovereignty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel will expand its invasion of southern Lebanon, aiming to broaden the existing security strip and fundamentally change the situation in the north. This escalation comes as Israeli forces continue targeting Hezbollah, which Netanyahu claims retains the capability to fire rockets into Israel. The announcement was made during a visit to northern Israel. Meanwhile, an Iranian official warned the U.S. against a ground invasion, and regional diplomats met in Pakistan seeking direct U.S.-Iran talks to end the ongoing conflict. Officials in Lebanon report over 1,100 deaths since the start of the conflict.

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Iran launched attacks in the Gulf region, hitting a tanker off the coast of Qatar and Kuwait International Airport. Simultaneously, Israel conducted an attack in Beirut, Lebanon, resulting in five fatalities. The attacks occurred amidst escalating tensions, with Iran acknowledging ongoing conflict with its Gulf Arab neighbors. The strikes in Beirut caused significant damage, requiring rescue operations and firefighting efforts. Sirens sounded in Bnei Brak, Israel, as rescue teams and residents sought shelter from Iranian missile strikes. The reasons behind the attacks remain unclear.

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.

In Beirut, Lebanon, a Lebanese family has started a mobile aid initiative in response to the ongoing conflict. Launched on March 29, 2026, the initiative aims to provide support to individuals and families who have been displaced from their homes due to the crisis. The mobile nature of the aid allows the family to reach those in need directly, offering assistance to vulnerable populations affected by the conflict. The initiative seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced people in the Beirut area.

Amidst the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, a Hezbollah attack on Sunday killed at least one person in northern Israel, marking the first such death from Lebanese fire since the conflict began. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, stating they targeted Israeli soldiers in Misgav Am with rockets. This attack occurred as Israel increased its troop presence in southern Lebanon, where the conflict has resulted in over 1,000 deaths and displaced a million people. In response, the Israeli Defence Minister ordered the military to expedite the demolition of Lebanese homes and bridges in southern Lebanon, citing the need to eliminate threats to Israel. The escalating conflict was triggered by a Hezbollah cross-border attack on March 2, following the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.

Facing a Monday deadline from US President Trump to end its partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is threatened with the obliteration of its power plants. Trump's ultimatum, issued due to rising fuel prices after Iran's retaliatory actions in the Gulf, demands the country open the crucial waterway through which a significant portion of the world's oil flows. In response, Iran's military command has vowed to strike power plants and infrastructure in Israel and regional countries hosting US bases or companies with American shareholders if Trump follows through with his threat. The situation unfolds amidst escalating tensions, with Israel signaling a potential ground campaign into Lebanon to combat Hezbollah, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli troops will control a large buffer zone in southern Lebanon as part of its campaign against Hezbollah. This action follows escalating conflict, including Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian leader and near-daily strikes on Hezbollah. Israeli troops have reportedly blown up five bridges on the Litani River, approximately 30km from the border. Katz stated that displaced Lebanese residents will not be allowed to return south of the Litani River until northern Israel's safety is guaranteed. The aim is to create a defensive space, eliminate Hezbollah terrorists, and destroy their infrastructure, mirroring strategies used in Gaza. Since the conflict began, over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon and over a million have been displaced.

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, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is "breaking boundaries in every sense of the word" and working to expand its buffer zone from Lebanon. This announcement follows intensified Israeli attacks on Lebanon that began earlier in March. The attacks were initiated after Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israeli territory. These actions occurred in the context of the US-Israel war on Iran. The expansion of the buffer zone aims to create a larger security perimeter for Israel along its northern border with Lebanon.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of directing Hezbollah's military operations against Israel, including drone attacks on Cyprus. These accusations come amid already strained relations between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. Salam stated the IRGC is managing the military operation in Lebanon, with IRGC officials entering the country with false passports. This follows Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel in early March, claiming it was retaliation for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader and Israeli aggression. Since early March, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed over 1,000 people and displaced over 1.2 million. Analysts suggest the IRGC has played a crucial role in Hezbollah's preparations for renewed conflict.

On March 17, 2026, the US and Israel are continuing attacks on Iranian cities, marking the 18th day of the conflict. The fighting has spread regionally, with Iran retaliating against US assets in neighboring countries and Israel bombing Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Attacks on Iranian cities, including Tehran and Arak, have resulted in civilian casualties, including children. Amnesty International has reported that a US attack on a primary school in Minab, Iran, killed at least 170 people. The conflict has caused a global energy crisis by disrupting shipping and displacing millions of civilians. As of today, at least 1,444 people have been killed and 18,551 injured in Iran due to the attacks.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated, marked by increased attacks on both sides. Israel intensified its military actions in Lebanon, conducting deadly strikes in Beirut and other cities targeting Hezbollah militants. This escalation follows the killing of an Iranian leader. In response, Iran launched missile strikes into Israel, near Tel Aviv, resulting in two fatalities. The exchange of attacks highlights a significant increase in direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, raising concerns about regional stability. The attacks occurred recently, with Israel's actions focused on Lebanon and Iran's strikes reaching into Israeli territory.

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 2nd, Israeli bombings in south Lebanon have allegedly targeted medical facilities and personnel, according to Lebanese healthcare workers and officials. They report at least 128 strikes on medical sites and ambulances, resulting in 40 deaths and 107 injuries among healthcare workers. The attacks, occurring amidst the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, include alleged double-tap strikes. Medical workers and facilities are protected under international law, and deliberately targeting them could constitute a war crime. The Israeli military has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for military purposes, a claim the Lebanese Ministry of Health denies. The majority of attacks have been against the Islamic Health Association (IHA), a health service affiliated with Hezbollah.

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.