Israel and Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire announced by US President Trump
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire starting at 21:00 GMT on April 16, announced by US President Donald Trump after discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
The ceasefire aims to halt hostilities between the two countries amid ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah.
The truce was confirmed by Trump in social media posts and followed a phone call with both leaders.
Trump also announced plans to host Netanyahu and Aoun at the White House for direct talks, marking the first meaningful dialogue between Israel and Lebanon since 1983.
The ceasefire comes after intense fighting that has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
Lebanese health authorities reported at least nine deaths in the southern district of Tyre over two days, including a paramedic, and an Israeli strike on Ghaziyeh killed eight people and wounded 33 others.
More than one million people have been displaced due to the conflict.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the ceasefire, describing it as a central demand pursued since the start of the war.
The conflict escalated after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, prompting a strong Israeli military response.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, the situation remains tense, with ongoing exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants, particularly around southern Lebanese towns near the border.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed gratitude to Trump for his efforts to secure the ceasefire but declined a direct call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, a position understood and accepted by the US administration.
The planned White House talks represent a significant diplomatic development, as Lebanon has insisted on a ceasefire before engaging in direct negotiations, while Israel has focused on disarming Hezbollah as part of peace efforts.
Hezbollah has stated it will respect the ceasefire if Israeli attacks on its fighters cease completely.
The group remains a key actor in the conflict, aligned with Iran and central to the hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.
