Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a new ceasefire
following a fresh escalation of hostilities in Lebanon that threatened to
derail a broader Middle East peace agreement signed earlier this week.
A United States official confirmed on Friday that the
truce, which takes immediate effect, was brokered through mediation efforts by
the United States and Qatar after intensive discussions involving Israeli and
Iranian representatives. A Gulf diplomat also confirmed the agreement.
The ceasefire comes after deadly exchanges between
Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters raised concerns over the stability of the
recently signed accord between the United States and Iran, aimed at ending
months of regional conflict.
The renewed violence also led to the postponement of
scheduled talks between Washington and Tehran in Switzerland. The meeting,
which was expected to advance negotiations toward a long-term settlement and
address outstanding issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, has been
deferred with no new date announced.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, tensions remain
high. Lebanon reported that at least 47 people were killed and 97 injured in
Israeli strikes on Friday, while Israel said four of its soldiers lost their
lives in the fighting.
Earlier in the day, the Israeli military announced
that it had targeted more than 80 Hezbollah positions across Lebanon and killed
dozens of members of the Iran-backed group.
Reports of an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon's
Jezzine region emerged shortly after the ceasefire was announced, raising
questions about the durability of the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier
vowed that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon “as long as necessary,”
warning Hezbollah that it would continue to pay a heavy price for attacks
against Israel.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir
adopted an even tougher stance, declaring that “all of Lebanon must burn”
following the deaths of Israeli soldiers.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused
Israel of pursuing a strategy of “permanent war,” while Tehran maintained that
any future negotiations with Washington would remain subject to its core
conditions and national interests.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated that Tehran would not compromise on its red
lines, warning that the country remained prepared to respond forcefully to any
perceived aggression.
Meanwhile, signs of economic normalisation began to
emerge after the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most
important maritime trade routes. Shipping activity increased significantly,
with maritime tracking data showing a rise in commercial vessel traffic through
the strategic waterway.
The United States military also confirmed the lifting
of its naval blockade around Iranian ports, although American naval forces will
continue operating in the region.
Iranian maritime authorities have instructed vessels
seeking passage through the Strait of Hormuz to submit transit requests at
least 48 hours in advance, reflecting continued security concerns despite the
reopening of the route.
While the ceasefire offers a temporary reprieve from
the violence, uncertainty remains over the long-term prospects for peace as
diplomatic efforts continue and regional tensions persist.
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