BEIRUT, Lebanon, Jun 19 — Israel and Hezbollah have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire following days of heightened cross-border hostilities, although reports of continued strikes in southern Lebanon have raised concerns over the durability of the truce.
The ceasefire announcement came amid growing international pressure to prevent a wider regional conflict after escalating exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border triggered fears of further instability in the Middle East.
Despite the reported agreement, witnesses and local media in Lebanon said airstrikes and artillery shelling were still being reported in parts of southern Lebanon hours after the ceasefire was announced.
Israeli authorities have not publicly commented on the reports of continued strikes, while Hezbollah-linked media accused Israel of violating the terms of the truce shortly after it took effect.
The recent escalation marked one of the most intense periods of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in months, with both sides exchanging rocket fire, drone attacks and airstrikes across the border.
The violence has displaced thousands of civilians on both sides and heightened fears that the conflict in Gaza could spill further across the region.
International actors, including the United States, France and the United Nations, have repeatedly called for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader confrontation.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has also urged all parties to respect the ceasefire and avoid actions that could further destabilise the region.
Hezbollah, a powerful armed group and political movement backed by Iran, has maintained near-daily exchanges with Israeli forces since the outbreak of the Gaza war, describing its actions as support for Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel has said its military operations are aimed at preventing attacks on its northern communities and degrading Hezbollah’s military capabilities near the border.
Analysts warn that while the ceasefire may temporarily reduce tensions, the risk of renewed fighting remains high unless broader political and security issues are addressed.
