Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire, which was set to expire Sunday, and to hold expanded talks on a political settlement, the US announced after two days of talks in Washington. The April 17 ceasefire, which did not end fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, will be extended for 45 days, said the US. Follow our live coverage for all the latest updates.
UAE says all of its actions came under defensive measures
The United Arab Emirates said on Saturday that all actions taken by the Gulf country came within its framework of defensive measures aimed at protecting its sovereignty, civilians, and vital infrastructure, according to a statement by its foreign ministry.
The statement came after the Wall Street Journal published a story on Monday saying that the UAE carried out military operations on Iran in early April.
The statement by the UAE foreign ministry did not refer explicitly to the reported strikes on Iran.
Israel, Lebanon say extending ceasefire despite new strikes
Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a ceasefire and hold expanded talks on a political settlement, the US announced late Friday, even as Israel carried out new strikes that it insists are not subject to the truce.
Envoys from Israel and Lebanon’s government, which has struggled to restrain Hezbollah, met for two days in Washington and said they would extend the ceasefire that was set to expire Sunday.
The cessation of hostilities “will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
He said that the State Department would hold negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent political agreement on June 2 and 3 and that the Pentagon would bring together delegations from the countries’ militaries on May 29.
Lebanon’s delegation said in a statement that the ceasefire extension and opening of military talks would offer “critical breathing room for our citizens” with a goal of “lasting stability.”
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the conflict in the Middle East.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)
Yesterday’s developments
Iran has ‘no trust’ in the US, will negotiate only if it is serious, FM says
Israeli army strikes sites in Tyre area of southern Lebanon
UAE rejects ‘Iranian claims’ after Tehran alleged active role in war
Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 45 days, US State Dept says
