Key facts
- A fragile quiet has settled over Lebanon following a US-Iran truce.
- Residents are returning to damaged homes in southern Lebanon.
- Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least five people since the truce announcement.
- The conflict has displaced 1.2 million people and damaged over 68,000 housing units.
- Iran insists an end to the conflict requires Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
- Israel maintains its forces will remain in Lebanon as long as necessary.
A fragile quiet has settled over Lebanon following a US-Iran truce, but residents returning to damaged homes are doubtful it will last. The conflict, which erupted on March 2 when Hezbollah fired at Israel in support of Iran, has led to Israeli air strikes and a ground invasion in parts of south Lebanon.
Despite the truce, Israeli forces have carried out fresh airstrikes on southern Lebanon, killing at least five people, according to Lebanese state media. These strikes targeted areas including Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Tebnit, with a drone strike also reported in Ansariyeh. The violence has declined since the US-Iran agreement was announced Monday, but continued attacks could jeopardize the deal.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that an end to the conflict would be incomplete without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories, viewing further attacks as a violation of the memorandum of understanding. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that his country's forces would remain in Lebanon "for as long as necessary."
US President Donald Trump has criticized Netanyahu's actions, emphasizing the US role in Israel's security and pushing for a deal amid domestic political pressure. While a US official indicated the deal does not require an Israeli withdrawal, Pakistan, a mediator, stated it calls for an end to military operations in Lebanon.