Lebanon announced on June 1st that it had reached a partial ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, seen as a limited step to de-escalate the conflict that has killed thousands of people and increased tensions related to the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
According to the Lebanese Embassy in Washington, the agreement does not completely end the conflict in Lebanon. The main content includes Israel not conducting attacks on Beirut and the suburbs controlled by Hezbollah, while Hezbollah will stop attacks on Israel.
US President Donald Trump was the first to announce this agreement. He said Hezbollah, through intermediaries, has pledged not to attack Israel. He also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to withdraw forces preparing to attack Beirut.
However, fighting continues in southern Lebanon. Israel, which has sent troops into the area since March, continues military operations. Earlier Tuesday, the Israeli military said it intercepted two objects flying from Lebanon to northern Israel and no casualties were recorded.
After Mr. Trump's statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel will continue its military campaign in southern Lebanon. According to this statement, Israeli ground forces are advancing towards the Zaharani River, described as the country's deepest advance into Lebanon in 25 years.
Mr. Hassan Fadlallah - a member of Hezbollah parliament - said that this force supports a comprehensive ceasefire across the entire territory of Lebanon as a step to pave the way for the Israeli army to withdraw. However, he did not mention whether Hezbollah would stop attacks targeting Israeli territory.
Lebanon said it will seek to expand the scope of the ceasefire agreement in negotiations with Israel in Washington. If progress is made, this could be the basis for restarting efforts to end the war that has lasted for three months.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah broke out on March 2 and is closely linked to broader tensions in the region. Iran affirmed that Israel's cessation of attacks in Lebanon is a condition for any agreement to end the war, while the US believes that the two conflicts are separate issues.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared that a ceasefire between Iran and the US must be applied on all fronts, including Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that Tehran has suspended indirect peace talks with the US and may end the ceasefire, which has mostly been maintained since the beginning of April. There has been no direct confirmation from Iranian officials.
Tensions continued to escalate as Commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard, Esmaeil Qaani, threatened to expand the blockade from the Strait of Hormuz to the Bab El Mandeb Strait. Oil prices rose 4% due to concerns about the regional situation.
