Lebanon: Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Hezbollah Mediated by the United States and Qatar

## Ceasefire Announcement and Mediation Framework

On Friday, Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group backed by Iran, reached a ceasefire agreement following escalating hostilities in southern Lebanon. The agreement was facilitated through mediation by the United States and Qatar, with direct involvement from Iran, and follows a week of intense violence that threatened to derail a broader U.S.-Iran understanding aimed at de-escalating regional tensions.

A senior U.S. official confirmed the ceasefire, stating that it was scheduled to take effect at 4:00 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) on Friday. Both an Israeli official and two Hezbollah sources independently verified the ceasefire to Reuters. According to the U.S. official, the ceasefire was intended to halt further military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, which had intensified in recent days despite a temporary U.S.-Iran agreement to pause hostilities across multiple fronts.

The Israeli official emphasized that the ceasefire would only hold if Hezbollah refrained from attacks, stating, “If Hezbollah does not attack us, this is not a time of war for us.” However, Israeli forces were reported to remain deployed in southern Lebanon, indicating ongoing security measures.

## Violations and Counterclaims Following Ceasefire

Despite the formal agreement, conflicting reports emerged regarding compliance in the hours following the ceasefire’s implementation. Lebanese security sources reported approximately 12 Israeli airstrikes within the first hour of the ceasefire taking effect. However, an Israeli military official denied conducting any airstrikes after 5:00 p.m. local time, contradicting the Lebanese claims. A Reuters correspondent in northern Israel observed continued airstrikes inside Lebanon around 4:50 p.m. local time, further complicating the assessment of compliance.

The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported a drone attack that killed two individuals riding a motorcycle on a southern highway at approximately 8:00 p.m. local time. Israel has not responded to requests for comment regarding this incident. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported that at least 47 Lebanese civilians had been killed in Israeli airstrikes since midnight on the day of the ceasefire.

Hezbollah, in turn, accused Israel of multiple ceasefire violations, including airstrikes and ground incursions, which it claimed resulted in civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure. The group stated that it had targeted Israeli forces attempting to advance toward strategic positions near the Litani River, including the Ali al-Tahir hill, an area of high significance.

## Broader Regional Context and Underlying Tensions

The ceasefire in Lebanon is part of a broader U.S.-Iran understanding that includes an immediate and permanent halt to military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon. A Hezbollah lawmaker, Hassan Fadlallah, stated that Iran had informed Hezbollah that negotiations with Washington could not continue without a comprehensive ceasefire being implemented.

The U.S. official clarified that negotiators from the U.S. and Qatar, with Iranian involvement, had worked to broker the ceasefire. The official noted that after an exchange of fire earlier in the day, both Israel and Hezbollah agreed to the ceasefire.

Israel, which was not consulted during the negotiations leading to the U.S.-Iran understanding, expressed dissatisfaction with the ceasefire terms, particularly the requirement to halt its military campaign in Lebanon. Israel launched a ground incursion into southern Lebanon following Hezbollah’s cross-border attacks in solidarity with Iran on March 2, 2024.

An Israeli official stated that Israel reserved the right to act against new threats and those targeting its forces or civilian communities. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned Hezbollah of severe consequences after the group killed four Israeli soldiers in one of the deadliest attacks during the conflict.

## Casualties and Humanitarian Impact

According to Lebanese health officials, at least 3,912 people in Lebanon, including 746 women, children, and paramedics, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since March 2, 2024. The Israeli military has reported the deaths of at least 32 soldiers and four civilians during this round of hostilities with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli positions using explosive-laden drones, resulting in the deaths and injuries of Israeli soldiers. The group also reported ambushing an Israeli force near Ali al-Tahir hill, destroying three Merkava tanks with guided missiles and targeting Israeli troops with artillery fire.

Israel has established a unilateral security zone in southern Lebanon, stating its objective is to protect northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks. Israeli forces have continued to conduct airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains a presence.

## Political Reactions and Statements

The ceasefire agreement has drawn mixed reactions. While the U.S. and Qatar played a central role in brokering the deal, Israel expressed frustration with the terms, arguing that the U.S.-Iran understanding did not adequately address its security concerns, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Israeli officials have reiterated that they retain the freedom to act against emerging threats and violations of the ceasefire.

Hezbollah, for its part, accused Israel of repeated ceasefire violations and vowed to respond to any further aggression. The group emphasized that its military actions were in response to Israeli incursions and airstrikes that resulted in civilian harm and infrastructure damage.

The ceasefire represents a critical, albeit fragile, pause in hostilities in southern Lebanon, offering a potential pathway toward broader regional de-escalation while underscoring the persistent challenges of achieving a lasting peace.