JERUSALEM/BEIRUT -- A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect on Friday, following an announcement earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The leaders of the two countries "have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST (2100 GMT)," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday. (Israel-Lebanon-Ceasefire)
- - - -
JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that even after the ceasefire with Hezbollah takes effect, Israel will maintain a 10-km security zone in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu's videotaped statement followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire, agreed to by Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, set to take effect at 5 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time (2100 GMT). (Lebanon-Israel-Ceasefire)
- - - -
TEHRAN -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Thursday for Tehran, a truce in Lebanon is as important as the ceasefire in Iran, according to the official news agency IRNA.
He made the remarks in a phone call with his Lebanese counterpart Nabih Berri while highlighting Iran's efforts both in the peace talks with the United States in Pakistan and after that, to force the "enemies" to accept a permanent ceasefire in all areas engaged in conflict in the West Asia region, including Lebanon. (Iran-Lebanon-Phone Call)
- - - -
RAMALLAH -- Palestinians on Thursday marked Palestinian Prisoners' Day with rallies and demonstrations across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, calling for the repeal of an Israeli law permitting the execution of Palestinian prisoners.
The annual commemoration was established in 1974 by the Palestinian National Council during its 12th session in Cairo. (Palestine-Israel-Law) ■
