Beirut: A temporary ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel began on April 17, offering a brief pause in hostilities and opening a window for negotiations between the two sides, according to the US State Department. The truce has brought moments of relief on the ground, with displaced civilians beginning to return to their homes in southern Lebanon after weeks of conflict.
Scenes from areas such as Qasmiyeh near Tyre showed long queues of vehicles crossing damaged infrastructure, as families made their way back, some waving victory signs despite the uncertainty that lies ahead.
The ceasefire has been welcomed internationally. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the development as a result of “bold” diplomatic efforts led by Donald Trump, expressing hope that it would pave the way for lasting peace. Pakistan has been actively mediating in the region and is working to facilitate further talks between the United States and Iran, with Islamabad expected to host a second round of negotiations in the coming days.
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- Lebanon pushes ceasefire first as talks with Israel hang in balance
- US warns Iran of prolonged blockade, says forces ready to resume combat operations
- Pakistan delivers US message to Iran as Trump says end to war is ‘close’
- Oil prices dip on hopes of US-Iran de-escalation
- US says no ships reached Iranian ports as Hormuz blockade enforced
President Trump reiterated that a deal to end the ongoing conflict involving Iran is “very close”, suggesting talks with Tehran could resume as early as this weekend in Islamabad. Officials on the ground report “positive signals” from both sides, raising cautious optimism about a potential breakthrough.
However, concerns remain over the durability of the ceasefire. France’s President Emmanuel Macron warned that the truce could be undermined by continued military actions, urging both sides to protect civilians and respect sovereignty. Early reports of a ceasefire violation have already emerged, including an alleged strike on an ambulance near the Lebanon-Israel border, resulting in casualties among medical personnel.
Meanwhile, tensions continue in the occupied West Bank, where reports indicate violence by Israeli settlers and military operations that have damaged Palestinian property and infrastructure.
Adding to global concerns, Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency warned that markets are underestimating the potential fallout of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He cautioned that disruptions to oil and gas supplies could lead to rising energy prices, fuel shortages, and wider economic consequences, particularly for vulnerable nations.
