The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which was set to expire on Sunday, has reportedly been unexpectedly extended several days before its scheduled end. US President Donald Trump officially announced this three-week extension. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported three fatalities resulting from an Israeli attack.
Following a meeting with representatives from both countries, Trump announced plans for an additional gathering at the White House involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. He stated that he sees a “very good chance” for a peace agreement between the two nations to be achieved this year. Key attendees at this Washington meeting included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Israeli ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, and the Lebanese ambassador, Nada Hamadeh Moawad.
Despite the active truce, hostilities appear to have continued. Hezbollah reportedly fired rockets into northern Israel, claiming the action was a reaction to Israel’s alleged violation of the ceasefire. The Israeli military confirmed that it intercepted several projectiles. Since the resumption of escalated fighting, more than 2,450 people have been killed in Lebanon, and over one million residents have been forced to abandon their homes.