Beirut/Washington (Web Desk/Agencies): Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire on Friday after a sharp escalation in hostilities in Lebanon raised concerns about the future of broader Middle East peace efforts linked to ongoing diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran.
A senior US official confirmed that the ceasefire took effect shortly before 4:00 p.m. local time in Lebanon.
According to the official, mediators from the United States and Qatar, with support from Iran, helped secure the agreement following a fresh exchange of fire between the two sides.
The ceasefire came after a deadly day of violence in Lebanon. Lebanese health authorities reported that at least 31 people were killed in Israeli strikes carried out across southern parts of the country.
The attacks occurred amid growing uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts aimed at easing regional tensions.
Planned US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland were cancelled as fighting intensified in Lebanon. The talks were considered crucial for maintaining momentum in regional diplomacy and ensuring the continued reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.
A senior Hezbollah lawmaker said Iran had informed the group that negotiations with Washington could not proceed without a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon.
While Tehran did not directly address the cancelled talks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei blamed the United States for Israeli military actions and warned that Iran would take necessary measures to protect its interests and allies.
Israel's military said it carried out extensive overnight operations, targeting more than 80 sites in southern Lebanon, including command centers, launch positions and other infrastructure it described as linked to Hezbollah. The military also claimed that dozens of Hezbollah fighters were killed during the strikes.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, announced attacks against Israeli forces near the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh, saying it had launched rockets and mortar shells at Israeli positions.
The group also reported clashes involving Israeli armored units attempting to advance in the area.
The conflict also took a toll on Israeli forces. The Israeli military confirmed the deaths of four soldiers, including Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon.
Military officials said a tank was struck by what was believed to be a drone or anti-tank missile. Another reserve officer was seriously wounded in a separate drone attack.
The latest violence marks the most serious confrontation since the US-Iran agreement intended to halt the wider regional conflict and reduce hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel would respond forcefully to attacks on its troops and territory.
He stated that Israeli forces would remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect northern Israeli communities.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed that position, while far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich called for an even tougher response against Lebanon and Hezbollah.
The ongoing campaign has also generated frustration in Washington, where officials have sought to prevent further escalation and preserve diplomatic channels with Tehran.
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 3,900 people have been killed and nearly 12,000 injured since the conflict expanded in March, while over one million residents have been displaced. Israeli forces have also advanced several kilometers into Lebanese territory during the military campaign.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, regional leaders and international observers remain cautious, warning that any renewed violence could undermine efforts to achieve a broader and more durable peace in the Middle East.