Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire after intense clashes in southern Lebanon, despite continued violence.

A US official announced that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, following intense Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon that killed 47 people. The agreement aims to end the war between the US and Iran. However, the Israeli military confirmed that its forces would continue to remove immediate threats, and Hezbollah is yet to confirm the ceasefire.

Ceasefire Agreement

The ceasefire agreement followed concerns that continued clashes would undermine the deal to end the war between the US and Iran. The memorandum of understanding declared a ceasefire in Lebanon as well as between the US and Iran. However, the reality on the ground has been different, with Tehran accusing Trump of failing to rein in Israel. The Israeli military spokesperson said Israel would continue to remove immediate threats and respond to Hezbollah's violations.

Continued Violence

Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israel carried out new strikes on southern Lebanon, killing five people. Drone strikes on the towns of Deir al-Zahrani and Doueir killed another two people. The overnight flare-up in southern Lebanon poses more problems for the US-Iran deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of wanting 'permanent war' and insisted that any breach of the commitments set out in the memorandum of understanding 'will be attributed to the US'.

Hezbollah's Perspective

Hezbollah's secretary general, Sheikh Naim Qassem, described the memorandum of understanding as a 'great victory' and a 'pivotal point for Lebanon'. He thanked the Iranians for 'linking the Lebanese arena' to the deal and 'forcing Israel to stop its aggression'. Analysts say that the deal on the table favors Hezbollah's allies in Tehran. However, whether it really is a victory for Hezbollah remains to be seen.