Israel continues attacks on Lebanon despite agreeing to ceasefire

Key Points:

• Despite a reported ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah set to begin at 4pm local time, Israeli forces continued air raids and artillery shelling in southern Lebanon, killing at least two civilians and raising doubts about the ceasefire's effectiveness.
• The ceasefire was brokered by Qatar, the United States, and Iran to prevent escalation in Lebanon and support broader US-Iran efforts toward regional peace, but ongoing attacks have led to skepticism among Lebanese residents and officials.
• Upcoming Lebanese-Israeli talks are scheduled in Washington from June 23 to 25, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasizing that a comprehensive ceasefire must underpin any negotiations, while Hezbollah’s leader condemned Israeli actions and vowed resistance.
• Iran and Pakistan expressed serious concern over ceasefire violations, with Iran blaming the US for prolonging conflict and warning that breaches of a recent memorandum of understanding could have consequences; US-Iran talks were postponed due to continued fighting.
• Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for harsh retaliation against Lebanon following the deaths of Israeli soldiers, advocating for large-scale escalation, while Iranian officials condemned such rhetoric as evidence of Israel’s intent for “permanent war.”