Lebanon and Israel Enter 10-Day Ceasefire

Hespress reports on a significant diplomatic breakthrough: a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, announced by US President Donald Trump and agreed upon by both parties. This de-escalation, effective from Friday, April 17, 2026, holds the potential to pave the way for extended ceasefires, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, which has seen weeks of devastating warfare.

The article clarifies that the conflict was not directly between the Israeli state and Lebanon itself, but rather between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group operating within Lebanese territory. Hezbollah has issued a statement emphasizing that any ceasefire must be comprehensive, covering all of Lebanon and restricting Israeli military movement. The human cost has been substantial, with approximately 2,200 individuals killed in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes.

“

Any ceasefire must be comprehensive for all of Lebanese territory and must not allow the Israeli enemy any freedom of movement.

Adding another layer to the regional mediation efforts, the Pakistani army chief met with Iranian officials in Tehran. This meeting signals Pakistan's active role as a key mediator, aiming to defuse tensions and potentially arrange a second round of US-Iran negotiations. The US, meanwhile, continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports and, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, plans to intensify economic pressure through new sanctions on countries trading with Iran. The White House has indicated that further talks with Iran might take place in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, though no decision has been finalized. Hespress frames this as a critical moment for regional stability, with Pakistan emerging as a central player in facilitating dialogue.

“

The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the move as equivalent in 'financial impact' to a bombing campaign.