Why Lebanon still under attack despite US-Iran ceasefire

A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran has not halted Israel's military operations in Lebanon, where fighting with Iran-backed group Hezbollah continues.

The broader conflict began on 28 February, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks from Tehran on Israel, US bases and Gulf countries.

The escalation opened a new front in Lebanon after Hezbollah began launching attacks on Israel in early March.

Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation in Lebanon remains separate from the Iran ceasefire.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a role in mediation, said the truce would apply "everywhere", including Lebanon. 

However, Israel later clarified that the ceasefire does not extend to its operations there.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supports US efforts to prevent Iran from posing what he described as a broader security threat, but confirmed that military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon would continue.

Following the announcement, Israel issued evacuation warnings to residents in parts of southern Lebanon, including the city of Tyre, signalling further strikes.

Hezbollah has reportedly paused attacks on northern Israel and Israeli troops in Lebanon in line with the ceasefire understanding, according to sources cited by Reuters.

However, this has not stopped Israeli air and ground operations.

Today (8 April), at least eight people were killed and more than 20 injured in an Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, according to the country's health ministry.

Since the escalation began in early March, Lebanese authorities say more than 1,500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, including children. Casualties also include Hezbollah fighters, Lebanese soldiers, and United Nations peacekeepers.