Lebanon says Israel commits violations hours after ceasefire took effect Israel has committed several violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon that took effect at midnight, the Lebanese army said early on Friday. It also warned citizens from returning to southern villages and towns due to the attacks. The latest violations include intermittent shelling of several southern Lebanese villages.
BEIRUT, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect on Friday, following an announcement earlier by U. S. President Donald Trump.
Beirut [Lebanon], April 17 (ANI): Celebrations broke out across Beirut as a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force, with fireworks and celebratory gunfire lighting up the night sky, CNN reported. Local media reported heavy gunfire in Beirut's southern suburbs, a known Hezbollah stronghold, as visuals showed red flares illuminating the skyline shortly after midnight, as per CNN.
Few Israelis see this truce as a way out of the conflict with Hezbollah, the BBC's Lucy Williamson writes.
UN chief urges full respect for Israel-Lebanon ceasefire UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, calling on all sides to respect the agreement. “The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, and commends the role of the United States in facilitating” it, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. He added that Guterres hopes the pause in fighting will “pave the way for negotiations”.
The pause in the fighting between Israeli forces and Iranian-allied Hezbollah militants may help smooth the way to a peace deal between the U. S. and Iran.
Israeli shelling continues in Lebanon after ceasefire takes effect Lebanon’s National News Agency reports that Israeli artillery has continued to strike southern areas despite the ceasefire coming into force less than an hour ago. Shelling has hit the towns of Khiam and Dibbine, accompanied by sweeping operations involving machine-gun fire, according to the report. In the western Bekaa Valley, Israeli reconnaissance aircraft have also been active over the Rashaya region and the western slopes of Jabal al-Sheikh.
Lebanon death toll rises to 2,196 Lebanon’s National News Agency reports that the number of people killed in Israeli attacks has climbed to 2,196, with 7,185 others wounded.
G7 warns prolonged Middle East war risks global economic damage Finance leaders from the G7 have warned of the urgent need to contain the economic fallout of a prolonged war in the Middle East, stressing the importance of moving towards a lasting peace. Meeting on the sidelines of IMF and World Bank spring gatherings in Washington, ministers and central bank governors discussed the conflict as a key concern. They said limiting disruption to the global economy remains a priority, alongside stabilising markets and energy flows.
IRGC commander says Hezbollah ‘winner’ as Lebanon ceasefire holds Iran’s Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani has said Hezbollah emerged victorious, as he commented on the ceasefire in Lebanon. In a message reported by Tasnim News Agency, Qaani credited the truce to what he described as the resilience of the Lebanese resistance and backing from Iran. "The dear people of Lebanon and the region know that the winner of the decisive battle is Hezbollah, the hero.
Pope Leo slams 'those who manipulate religion' for war, as White House invokes divine calling Pope Leo XIV on Thursday issued what may be his most explicit condemnation yet of the Trump administration's use of biblical invocations to justify the US-Israeli war on Iran , as tensions between the Vatican and the White House ramp up. "Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth," Pope Leo wrote on X, citing his own remarks on a visit to Cameroon. "The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants," he said in his speech.
Pope Leo slams 'those who manipulate religion' for war, as White House invokes divine calling Submitted by MEE staff on Thu, 04/16/2026 - 20:06 The first American pope's criticism of US policies has not gone down well with President Donald Trump Pope Leo XIV holds a holy Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, on 14 April 2026 (Reuters/Guglielmo Mangiapane) Off Pope Leo XIV on Thursday issued what may be his most explicit condemnation yet of the Trump administration's use of biblical invocations to justify the US-Israeli war on Iran , as tensions between the Vatican and the White House ramp up. "Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth," Pope Leo wrote on X, citing his own remarks on a visit to Cameroon. "The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants," he said in his speech.
Tehran’s digital warriors have continued to seek ways to gain an advantage in the conflict in a new phase of cyberspace operations.
Israeli strikes kill dozens in Lebanon hours before ceasefire Israeli forces have carried out more than a dozen strikes across southern Lebanon in the past few hours, even as a 10-day ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump is set to take effect at 21:00 GMT. The latest attacks come in the final hours before the truce, with casualties continuing to rise across multiple areas, Lebanon's National News Agency reported. Adloun (Sidon district): Three people, including two women, killed and 21 wounded in an air strike.
Concerned about the slow pace and high cost of weapons production, Pentagon officials have begun talks with General Motors and Ford Motor about producing certain parts.
Hezbollah urges residents to delay returning to southern Lebanon, ahead of ceasefire Hezbollah has urged residents to delay returning to southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs ahead of a ceasefire with Israel expected to begin at midnight local time. "In the face of a treacherous enemy accustomed to violating covenants and agreements, we call on you to be patient and to refrain from heading to the targeted areas in the south, the Beqaa, and Beirut's southern suburbs, until the situation becomes completely clear," the group said. The Islamic Health Committee also advised people to wait "until you are certain that a ceasefire has been officially declared and has come into effect", urging them to "wait until morning" before travelling.
Disruption of fertilizer flows through the Strait of Hormuz could slash harvests, Jose Andres of World Central Kitchen has warned Disruptions to fertilizer supplies caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran risk triggering a multi-year food crisis globally, World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder Jose Andres has warned.
Disruption of fertilizer flows through the Strait of Hormuz could slash harvests, Jose Andres of World Central Kitchen has warned Disruptions to fertilizer supplies caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran risk triggering a multi-year food crisis globally, World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder Jose Andres has warned.
JERUSALEM, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that even after the ceasefire with Hezbollah takes effect, Israel will maintain a 10-km security zone in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu's videotaped statement followed U. S.
While military targets have been struck in Iran, civilian areas have too, showing the stark reality of the war.
