Ten Killed in Lebanon as Ceasefire Falters, US-Iran Talks Stalled

At least 10 people were killed on Saturday in Israeli attacks in Lebanon, just hours after a ceasefire took effect. Israel said it was responding to attacks by Hezbollah, while the Shiite movement declared that it would not allow Israeli forces "freedom of movement" on Lebanese territory.

The cessation of hostilities in Lebanon is a condition for the start of 60-day negotiations between the United States and Iran on Tehran's nuclear program and other contentious issues. It remains unclear, however, when those talks will begin.

The Lebanese state news agency NNA reported attacks by Israeli aircraft and drones on the south of the country and the Bekaa Valley. The Israeli military said Hezbollah fired more than 50 projectiles at its positions overnight and that the strikes were in retaliation. The group has not claimed responsibility.

One of the most devastating strikes hit a residential building in the town of Barish, killing a couple and their two children. The Lebanese army also announced the death of one of its soldiers in a separate attack.

These developments are further complicating diplomatic efforts to turn the temporary US-Iran agreement into a more lasting resolution of the conflict. The planned talks in Switzerland have not yet taken place, and the timing of any further meetings remains unclear.

(Reuters, bak)