At least eight civilians were killed and dozens injured in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, as US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon set to begin later on Thursday.
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli forces struck the town of Ghaziyeh in the Zahrani area, leaving at least 33 people wounded, while several others remain missing under the rubble. Rescue operations are ongoing, reports Al Jazeera.
In a separate incident, the Lebanese Health Ministry said an Israeli strike targeted an ambulance in Tebnine in the Bint Jbeil district, seriously injuring two paramedics. The ministry condemned the attack, saying strikes on medical personnel violate international humanitarian law.
According to official figures, the death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon has risen to 2,196, with 7,185 people injured, highlighting the growing humanitarian toll of the conflict.
Amid the escalating violence, Trump said Lebanon and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire following talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the ceasefire would begin at 5pm EST (2100 GMT) and last for 10 days, expressing hope it would lead to a lasting peace.
However, Israeli media reported anger within the country over the announcement, with some officials caught off guard as the truce was declared before formal cabinet approval.
The announcement comes as Israeli operations in Lebanon continue, raising questions over the implementation of the ceasefire and whether hostilities will halt as scheduled.