A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into force, offering a potentially significant pause in hostilities along one of the most volatile fronts linked to the broader Iran conflict, even as early reports of violence underscore the fragility of the agreement.
The truce, brokered by the United States, is intended to halt cross-border fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.
Scenes of relief emerged across parts of Lebanon as the ceasefire took effect. Local reports said celebrations broke out in some areas, while displaced civilians began preparing to return to their homes after weeks of bombardment, uncertainty and widespread destruction.
However, the calm was quickly tested.
Lebanon’s army accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, while medics and local officials reported that an Israeli drone strike killed one person in the town of Kunin in the Bint Jbeil district on the first full day of the truce. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said a motorcyclist was targeted in the attack.
Israel has not immediately commented on the specific incident, but under the terms of the agreement, it reserves the right to act against what it describes as imminent or ongoing threats from Hezbollah.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington had “prohibited” Israel from carrying out further strikes in Lebanon and added that the United States would work with Lebanese authorities to address Hezbollah.
Hezbollah signalled conditional support for the ceasefire. Lawmakers from the group described their position as a “cautious commitment”, saying any agreement must ensure a complete halt to Israeli hostilities and limit Israeli military operations inside Lebanon.
The group also warned it remained ready to respond, saying its “finger is on the trigger” if Israel violates the truce, reflecting deep mistrust between the sides.
The human toll of the conflict has been severe. Lebanon’s health ministry said nearly 2,300 people have been killed since March 2, including women, children, and medical personnel. Officials said the final toll could rise as rescue efforts continue and victims are identified.
Under the current arrangements, Israel is expected to maintain a 10-kilometre “security zone” in southern Lebanon, a provision that has drawn criticism from Lebanese officials and Hezbollah, who view it as an infringement on sovereignty.
Israel, meanwhile, said it was lifting wartime restrictions across the country following the ceasefire, signalling a return to normal activity even as tensions persist along the northern border.
The agreement is also being viewed as an important diplomatic step. Continued fighting in Lebanon had become a major obstacle to wider negotiations involving Washington and Tehran, with international efforts intensifying to prevent further regional escalation.
Among the proposals under discussion by Western leaders is the deployment of a multinational force to help secure key maritime routes, reflecting concerns that the conflict could disrupt global trade and energy supplies.
Despite the ceasefire, doubts remain over how long it will hold. Hezbollah has not explicitly committed to full compliance, instead saying its response will depend on developments on the ground. Israeli strikes reported in the final hours before the truce took effect further highlighted the difficulty of enforcing a complete halt to hostilities.
For now, the situation remains fluid, with both sides signalling restraint while preparing for the possibility that the ceasefire could unravel, as has often been the case in past confrontations.
