Israeli Strikes Hit Southern Lebanon As Ceasefire Deal Appears Near

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Beirut: Israeli air strikes hit several locations in southern Lebanon on Friday, killing at least one person, as regional diplomacy gathered pace with reports that a broader agreement to reduce tensions in the Middle East could be close.

Lebanese state media said the attacks came after Israel ordered residents in around 20 towns and villages to evacuate. One fatality was reported in the town of Marrakeh in the Tyre district.

The strikes followed comments by Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said negotiations aimed at ending hostilities between Iran and the United States were nearing completion. He added that the proposed agreement could also help bring an end to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously warned that Israel would continue military action against Hezbollah if attacks on northern Israel persisted despite a ceasefire reached earlier this year.

The reported diplomatic efforts also include plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies, and ease economic restrictions on Iran. US officials have acknowledged parts of the proposed agreement, although discussions over Iran's nuclear programme are expected to continue separately.

The latest developments come months after a regional conflict erupted following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks and disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. While a ceasefire was reached in April, sporadic exchanges of fire have continued.

Officials from Iran, the United States and regional mediators have indicated that discussions are progressing, but final approval of any agreement has yet to be secured.

Pic Credit: AFP/ File Image