What's happened
Lebanese President Aoun has urged reaching an end to the Lebanon-Israel war, saying he is prepared to "do the impossible" to stop the fighting. Health authorities report the death toll in Lebanon has neared 3,000, with ongoing Israeli strikes, evacuations, and Hezbollah operations continuing in south Lebanon and northern Israel amid a 45‑day ceasefire extension.
What's behind the headline?
live briefing
- The ceasefire extension has not halted violence; Israeli strikes continue in south Lebanon and Hezbollah has been conducting drone and other attacks in northern Israel.
- The health ministry’s tallies show thousands killed since March 2, including civilians and health workers, underscoring the humanitarian toll.
- The conflict is framed by broader regional tensions involving Iran, with U.S.-led diplomacy pushing for a longer-term settlement but with no immediate resolution.
- Readers should watch for: further evacuations, new strikes near population centers, and updates from both Lebanese authorities and the Israeli military on casualty figures.
How we got here
The fighting began after clashes across the Lebanon-Israel border in March. A 45‑day ceasefire extension began after U.S.-brokered talks, with Hezbollah opposing the talks and continuing attacks. Israeli forces have been carrying out strikes and evacuations in the south, while Lebanon reports rising civilian casualties and ongoing threats along the border.
Our analysis
The New Arab reports on Aoun’s statement and ongoing strikes in south Lebanon; Arab News provides parallel updates on ceasefire talks and Hezbollah’s drone activity; Reuters covers the latest airstrikes, tolls, and the U.S.-backed ceasefire extension, including casualty details and Hezbollah’s claims.
Go deeper
- What is the current status of the ceasefire in effect around southern Lebanon?
- How many civilians have been reported killed or injured since the start of the ceasefire?
- What actions are expected from international mediators in the coming days?
More on these topics
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Israel - Country in the Middle East
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Lebanon - Country in the Middle East
Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
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Hezbollah - Political party
Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Joseph Aoun - Military commander
Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.