‘Everyone must calm down’, Macron urges as US-Iran talks near

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.

Following an announced ceasefire agreement, residents of Beirut, Lebanon, are expressing skepticism regarding Israel's commitment to upholding the terms. The agreement, announced by then-President Trump, aimed to halt hostilities between Israel and groups within Lebanon. This wariness stems from a lack of trust in Israel's past actions and adherence to previous agreements. The Lebanese people's apprehension highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the deep-seated tensions that persist in the region. The situation underscores the need for continued monitoring and verification to ensure the ceasefire's durability and prevent renewed conflict.

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.

Donald Trump announced the possibility of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Joseph Aoun at the White House. The potential meeting, facilitated by the U.S. government, would bring together leaders from Israel and Lebanon. While the specific timing and agenda remain unclear, the announcement suggests a potential effort to foster dialogue between the two nations. The purpose of the meeting is not explicitly stated, but it implies a possible attempt to address regional issues or improve relations. The White House would serve as the location for this trilateral discussion.

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.

In Beirut, Lebanon, a government plan to establish a displacement center in the Karantina neighborhood was cancelled in late March 2026 due to public opposition. The center was intended to house people displaced by Israel's ongoing war. While some cited concerns about traffic and health, sectarian motivations also fueled the opposition. Some Christian residents of Karantina objected to housing predominantly Shia Muslim displaced people, raising demographic concerns and using sectarian language reminiscent of the Lebanese Civil War. Tensions are heightened by fears that hosting displaced Lebanese could attract Israeli attacks and by deep divisions over Hezbollah's role in the conflict, raising concerns about potential civil unrest. The cancellation occurred amidst a backdrop of intensified Israeli military actions in Lebanon following Hezbollah attacks in early March 2026.