Israel strikes southern Lebanon but partial truce with Hezbollah appears to hold
Israel strikes southern Lebanon but partial truce with Hezbollah appears to hold 15 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google John Sudworth & Samantha Granville , Tyre and David Gritten Watch: BBC in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, where a hospital was damaged by an Israeli airstrike Israel continued its attacks in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, but did not strike Beirut following a partial ceasefire agreement with the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah. Lebanon said that, under an agreement announced by US President Donald Trump late on Monday, Israeli forces would not bomb the capital in exchange for Hezbollah not attacking Israel. It came after Iran warned that Israeli action in Lebanon jeopardised talks on a deal to end its war with the US. Following the ceasefire announcement, the Israeli military said it had intercepted two projectiles fired into northern Israel. Hezbollah said it had attacked Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, where officials reported deadly Israeli strikes. Bowen: Trump needs this war to end but Iran is not backing down Israel PM orders strikes on Beirut suburbs as Hezbollah conflict escalates The Lebanese health ministry also said four people had been killed and 127 injured when Israeli air strikes hit buildings next to Jabal Amel hospital in the city of Tyre on Monday afternoon. Thirty-nine hospital staff were among the injured, with four in a critical condition. What remained in the area outside the hospital on Tuesday was utter devastation. Chunks of concrete and twisted metal were scattered across the area. The beeping of damaged cars and the crackle of downed electrical wires echoed through streets that were otherwise eerily quiet. Apart from a handful of local journalists, almost no-one was outside. A woman stood in tears, staring at an apartment building that was half gone. "I live there," she said, pointing at the wreckage, before adding: "Used to." Dr Wael Mroueh, the hospital's director, had spent the evening dealing with the aftermath. "We were working with patients and displaced people. Business was as usual, and suddenly, 'boom'," he said. "It happened without any prior warning. Pictures speak volumes." He also denied that there was a military target in the vicinity. "The Israeli enemy targets journalists, ambulance workers, medical staff. It makes no difference, and all it wants is to kick us out of our country," he said. Lebanese authorities said Israeli strikes next to Jabal Amel hospital killed four people and caused extensive damage to wards Inside the hospital, corridors were littered with broken glass. Ceiling panels had collapsed onto the floors. A row of incubators stood cracked and damaged by the force of the blast. Just four hours earlier, baby Fares had been born in the maternity ward. He lay swaddled in a blue furry blanket and asleep, while his mother recovered nearby. His grandmother, Amal, proudly showed him off. "It's true life is very hard, but we need to bear it," she said, gazin
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon demonstrates the complexity of regional tensions. A partial truce suggests a cautious step towards peace, but continued diplomacy is crucial.
Partial truces are a fragile peace, like a thin ice sheet. Continued diplomacy is vital, but we must also stand firm against aggression. Peace is a marathon, not a sprint.
While a partial truce is a positive sign, the real test is how sustained it is. Continued diplomatic efforts, even in the face of challenges, are essential for long-lasting peace. Lets hope this is a step in the right direction, but vigilance remains key.
Partial truces are like fragile ice; diplomacy needs to be as strong and enduring. Continued vigilance is key in this marathon to peace.