Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire, but attacks continue

Israel and the Lebanese extremist group Hezbollah have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire, which was to take effect Friday at 4 PM local time, according to sources cited by news agencies Reuters and AFP.

This agreement follows a broader understanding between the United States and Iran, where both nations and their allies were to cease all military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. However, even on the day the ceasefire was to begin, both Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy fire.

Lebanese authorities reported that at least 47 people died in Israeli airstrikes overnight into Friday. Conversely, the Israeli military stated that four Israeli soldiers were killed in Hezbollah attacks in southern Lebanon on Friday, Reuters reported.

Despite the reported truce, Israel has stated its forces will remain in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, according to two sources within the group cited by Reuters, began observing the ceasefire immediately upon receiving notification. Negotiators from the United States and Qatar, with assistance from Iran, reportedly brokered the ceasefire agreement. An Israeli government source confirmed the ceasefire's validity, contingent on Hezbollah refraining from attacks.

Meanwhile, Iran-related negotiations scheduled in Switzerland were postponed. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance was expected to travel to Switzerland for practical discussions related to the memorandum of understanding signed by the U.S. and Iran. The exact timing for the resumption of these talks remains unclear, though the White House has expressed anticipation for their swift commencement.