Israel and Lebanon agree to extend a ceasefire and to hold further talks on a political settlement, despite new Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, multiple outlets report. The decision is announced by the United States shortly before an April 17 ceasefire deadline. The outlets say Israel carries out additional strikes in southern Lebanon while maintaining that these actions are not covered by or subject to the truce.
The reports place the renewed talks in the context of continued cross-border fighting that began after fire attributed to Hezbollah intensified in early March, prompting Israeli strikes and an Israeli ground invasion of southern Lebanon. The United States statement describes the extension and the planned continuation of negotiations, with the aim of reaching a broader political settlement.
While the outlets differ in emphasis and detail, they agree that the ceasefire is being prolonged, that talks are set to expand, and that the extension announcement occurs alongside fresh strike activity that Israel frames as outside the ceasefire terms.
