Ceasefire begins between Israel and Lebanon amid regional tensions
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon began at midnight on Friday, brokered by the United States. Following the agreement, the Israeli military established a 'yellow line' in southern Lebanon, warning that it will strike targets approaching this boundary if they pose an immediate threat. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized that direct negotiations with Israel do not signify weakness or territorial concessions, aiming instead for long-term stability and state sovereignty. Confusion arose regarding US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on the cessation of hostilities, as his public claims that Israel is forbidden from conducting airstrikes contradicted the official agreement that allows Israel to act in self-defense. Simultaneously, Iran announced the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, though the US continues to enforce a blockade on ships bound for Iranian ports. President Trump indicated that peace talks with Iran are ongoing, warning that the ceasefire could lapse by Wednesday if a long-term agreement is not reached.