ISRAEL CONTINUES ATTACKS ON LEBANON AFTER CEASEFIRE WITH HEZBOLLAH BEGINS

Israel launched air raids and artillery strikes on southern Lebanon after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect at 4pm local time on Friday, according to reports from the ground. At least 12 Israeli air raids and continual artillery shelling struck the region following the deadline, raising concerns that the agreement could collapse. The ceasefire was brokered by Qatar, the United States and Iran, with the aim of preventing escalation in Lebanon from disrupting broader efforts to end the wider Middle East conflict. A Gulf diplomat told the AFP news agency the agreement sought to preserve negotiations over an interim US-Iran deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.

The Lebanese health ministry recorded at least 47 people killed and 97 wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon starting at midnight on Friday. A senior US official confirmed to Reuters that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a ceasefire through US and Qatari mediation, with Iran's involvement. A Hezbollah official told Al Jazeera the ceasefire would hold if Israel adhered to its terms. A senior Israeli official and two Hezbollah sources also confirmed the agreement to Reuters.

The ceasefire follows a dangerous escalation in fighting between the two sides that threatened wider regional peace negotiations. Israel and Hezbollah had reportedly agreed to halt hostilities as part of the broader effort to turn the interim US-Iran agreement into a lasting regional settlement. A Hezbollah official stated the ceasefire's durability depended on Israeli compliance with its terms. The agreement reflects US attempts to stabilise the region amid ongoing tensions.