Israel and Hezbollah Reach Ceasefire Agreement

Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah announced a ceasefire that took effect at 4 p.m. local time on Friday, a development confirmed by a senior U.S. official and the Israeli defence forces. The truce was brokered by U.S. and Qatari mediators after a day of exchanges that left at least 18 civilians dead in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers killed.

Israel's ambassador to the United States said Israel will uphold the ceasefire as long as Hezbollah refrains from violating it, while reserving the right to respond to any attacks. The Israeli military noted it remains ready to resume operations if necessary, and the White House indicated technical talks on the agreement are still pending.