Israeli strikes on Lebanon roll on despite a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah. Early Friday,Lebanese health ministry reported 47 dead,97 injured in southern Lebanon. Regional peace efforts now look shaky.
Ceasefire was supposed to start at 4 PM local time, brokered by the U.S.,Qatar and Iran . A Gulf diplomat said the goal was to keep violence from derailing Middle East peace talks. But after the announcement,local reports said Israeli forces launched at least 12 airstrikes and kept up artillery attacks.
Both sides acknowledged ceasefire,with a senior U.S . official saying a mutual truce was agreed. Yet Israeli attacks resumed immediately,leaving many in southern Lebanon questioning the ceasefire's validity. A local journalist noted a sense of déjà vu,as such announcements often lead to more military action.
Israeli military reps insisted on keeping "operational freedom" to respond to threats in south Lebanon. This vague stance leaves residents doubting what ceasefire actually means.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi slammed Israel's actions,accusing it of seeking "permanent war." His comments followed Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's calls for a hard response after four Israeli soldiers died. Ben-Gvir declared that for every Israeli mother's tear,"a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep."
Violence spikes,so U.S.-Iran talks on memorandum of understanding are delayed. Iranian officials skipped scheduled talks in Switzerland,saying negotiations can't move until fighting stops. U.S. VP JD Vance also pulled out of his planned visit.
Esmaeil Baghaei,spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry,blamed U.S. for rising tensions. Cited a June 18 memorandum linking Lebanon ceasefire to broader peace push. Iran will take steps to protect its interests and allies…
