Trump says ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon begins tonight

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U.S. President Donald Trump says a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is set to begin at 5 p.m. ET today, or midnight in Beirut, following six weeks of renewed fighting with Hezbollah that has killed thousands and forced more than a million people from their homes. 

The announcement comes after rare direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington earlier this week, though neither side has yet confirmed the deal or released details.

In a social media post, Trump said he had "excellent" conversations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST," the U.S. President wrote on Truth Social.

It is unclear if Hezbollah will abide by the agreement after it outright rejected talks between Israel and Lebanon earlier this week.

Senior Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said Iran's ambassador in Beirut informed the Lebanon-based Shia militant group that a temporary ceasefire could begin Thursday evening, after Trump announced the deal.

Asked whether the group would commit to the agreement, Fadlallah, who urged the Lebanese government to reconsider its decision to negotiate with Israel on Wednesday, told Reuters that Hezbollah's decision will hinge on Israel's commitment to "halt all forms of hostilities."

This map, which shows attacks in the region since Feb. 28, highlights how the war has focused on southern Lebanon and Beirut. 

As of Monday, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have been targeting Hezbollah weapons depots, rocket launchers and headquarters in southeastern Lebanon. Hezbollah has been targeting IDF infrastructure and communities in northern Israel.

Neither Lebanon nor Israel has commented on the deal Trump announced. In an earlier statement, however, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he hoped the negotiations would "mark the beginning of the end of the suffering of the Lebanese people." 

Lebanon's government banned Hezbollah's military wing after it opened fire on Israel last month.

Since March 2, Israel's attacks have killed more than 2,100 people — including health workers and journalists — and injured more than 6,500 others, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.

Missiles launched from Hezbollah have killed two ⁠Israeli civilians; 13 Israeli soldiers have also been killed in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump says a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is set to begin at 5 p.m. ET today, or midnight in Beirut, following six weeks of renewed fighting with Hezbollah that has killed thousands and forced more than a million people from their homes. 

The announcement comes after rare direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington earlier this week, though neither side has yet confirmed the deal or released details.

In a social media post, Trump said he had "excellent" conversations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST," the U.S. President wrote on Truth Social.

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