U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a temporary 10-day ceasefire aimed at reducing tensions after weeks of intense cross border conflict. The truce is scheduled to take effect at 5 p.m. EST (21:00 GMT) on Thursday, following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Trump said both leaders formally agreed to begin the ceasefire in an effort to move toward peace between the two countries. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the announcement, describing the truce as a central Lebanese demand that had been pursued since the early days of the conflict. He said the ceasefire was also the main objective of recent talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials held in the United States.
Conflict Escalation Led to Heavy Casualties and Mass Displacement
Lebanon became directly involved in the conflict on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28 during an Israeli strike at the start of a broader U.S.-Israel war involving Iran.
Israeli military operations in response have caused significant damage across Lebanon, with more than 2,100 people reported killed and thousands injured. Authorities also issued evacuation orders affecting roughly 15% of Lebanese territory, forcing more than one million residents to leave their homes.
Recent strikes in southern Lebanon’s Tyre district reportedly killed nine people over two days, including a paramedic. Salam expressed condolences for victims and voiced hope that displaced civilians would be able to return home quickly if the ceasefire holds.
Trump also stated that he plans to invite Netanyahu and President Aoun to direct negotiations, adding that both sides appear willing to pursue longer-term solutions to resolve their differences.
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