Israel and Lebanon begin 10

A 10-day ceasefire began in Lebanon on Friday, pausing the fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. The truce could also help extend the ceasefire between Iran, the United States, and Israel after weeks of devastating war.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, even though the conflict was mainly between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants inside Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the ceasefire to advance peace efforts with Lebanon but stated that Israeli troops would not withdraw.

There were celebrations in Beirut as the truce began, with gunshots ringing out and displaced families starting to return to southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs despite warnings. The ceasefire agreement allowed Israel to defend itself against attacks but prohibited offensive military operations against Lebanese targets.

The ceasefire was the result of intense diplomatic efforts, including direct talks between Israel and Lebanon and negotiations between Iran, the U.S., and Pakistan. President Trump invited Israeli and Lebanese leaders to the White House for talks, aiming to achieve peace between the nations.

Efforts were made to extend the ceasefire and continue diplomatic negotiations to end the conflict that has killed thousands of people, disrupted global markets, and strained international relations. Despite challenges and uncertainties, there were signs of progress in the talks between the U.S. and Iran.