Israel and Hezbollah Agree Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Violence, But Fighting Continues
On June 19, 2026, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire brokered by U.S. and Qatari mediators, following intense clashes that threatened to derail the U.S.-Iran peace deal. Despite the agreement, attacks and retaliation continued, with Israeli strikes killing at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers killed in retaliation. The ceasefire was announced by U.S. officials but was described as more on paper than reality.
Where Sources Diverge
BBC and The Hindu report the ceasefire was brokered by U.S. and Qatari mediators, while France 24 and others note the ceasefire was announced by U.S. officials.
The truce was brokered by U.S. and Qatari mediators following talks with Israel and Iran.
US officials have announced that a ceasefire is in effect between Israel and Hezbollah.
Al Jazeera and France 24 report different numbers of casualties, with Al Jazeera citing 47 deaths and France 24 citing 20.
At least 47 people killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since midnight.
At least 20 people were killed in Lebanon in fresh strikes.
Timelines
Sources
For the second time in two days, Lebanon was again at the center of whether the fragile U.S.-Iran deal would hold.
US officials have announced that a ceasefire is in effect between Israel and Hezbollah. President Donald Trump claimed he had asked Israel for the ceasefire. However, it seems to be more on paper than reality: attacks and retaliation from both sides continued to flare following its theoretical coming into force on Friday afternoon local time. Details from the ground by FRANCE 24 correspondents in Jerusalem and Beirut, Noga Tarnopolski and Renée Davis.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off on June 19 after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon
Talks on a long-term peace deal were set to begin on Friday, but Iran pulled out, citing Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Hours later, diplomats say, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to halt fighting there.
The agreement followed concerns that continued clashes would undermine the deal to end the war between the US and Iran.
US-Iran meeting in Switzerland over implementation of deal cancelled amid clashes in southern Lebanon Middle East crisis – live updates Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday after 24 hours of intense violence that posed an early challenge to the new agreement between the US and Iran to end their conflict. A meeting due to take place on Friday between the US and Iran in Switzerland to discuss implementation of the new deal was cancelled when Hezbollah killed four Israeli soldiers and Israel carried out a wave of retaliatory airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa valley that killed at least 47 people. Continue reading...
At least 47 people killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since midnight as US-Iran talks stall.
The truce that began at 4 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) was brokered by U.S. and Qatari mediators following talks with Israel and Iran, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity
Lebanese media reported an Israeli airstrike in Southern Lebanon on Friday, after a US official said Israel and Hezbollah had agreed a ceasefire.
Israel and Hezbollah agreed a ceasefire on June 19 after deadly exchanges between the two sides in Lebanon put the deal to end the Middle East war under strain. At least 20 people were killed in Lebanon in fresh strikes, as well four Israeli soldiers. In response, the far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said "all of Lebanon must burn". FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky tells us more.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is scheduled to commence on Friday afternoon, marking a significant pause in months of hostilities along the border. With mediation efforts from Qatar, the US, and Iran, this agreement seeks to ease tensions and avert a larger conflict in the region. Although neither party has commented publicly, there is cautious optimism for peace and stability in areas affected by the turmoil.
US and regional officials say Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a new ceasefire. This comes hours after four IDF soldiers were killed and Israel's government vowed retribution. DW has more.