Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days following successful discussions in Washington, as confirmed by the U.S. State Department on Friday. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott announced that the extension came after two productive days of talks and more negotiations are scheduled for June 2 and 3. The ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, which was set to expire on Sunday, will now continue under this agreement.
Pigott expressed optimism that these ongoing discussions would contribute to achieving lasting peace between the two nations, mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the establishment of genuine security along their shared border. Despite the focus on extending the ceasefire, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued exchanging strikes. The Israeli military reported targeting Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon in response to hostile aircraft alerts and launches originating from across the border. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that nearly 40 individuals were injured in Israeli strikes near Tyre, with one strike causing significant damage to a primary health center and the neighboring Hiram Hospital, resulting in injuries to six medical staff members.
