Israel and Hezbollah Agree Ceasefire After Escalated Border Fighting

Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah have reached a cease‑fire that took effect on Friday at 16:00 local time. The truce was brokered through negotiations led by the United States and Qatar, with backing from Iran. The agreement follows a surge of attacks that killed at least 18 civilians in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers. Both sides affirmed the halt to hostilities, though Israeli officials warned that any new Hezbollah attack would end the peace. The cease‑fire follows a broader US‑Iran diplomatic effort aimed at ending wider fighting across the Middle East.

The deal also entails the cessation of operations by the United States, Iran and their allies on all regional fronts, including Lebanon. International media outlets, including the BBC and CBS, have confirmed the cease‑fire, and talks are set to continue in the coming days to solidify a longer‑term settlement.