Israel and Lebanon agree to ceasefire, US State Department

Updated: 7:36 PM PKT — June 4, 2026

The European Union has agreed to provide an additional €100 million in aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces. According to EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, the move is aimed at strengthening the Lebanese state to reduce the threat posed by Hezbollah.

The official stated that the aid is intended to empower Lebanese government institutions and help restore the state’s monopoly on the use of force within the country.

Updated: 1:53 PM PKT — June 4, 2026

The US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was violated just hours after its announcement, with Israeli drone strikes targeting various locations in southern Lebanon. According to Lebanon’s state news agency, the attacks resulted in the death of one person.

Meanwhile, the agreement faced internal criticism in Israel, where Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the ceasefire as a “grave mistake.” He claimed that Prime Minister Netanyahu was being led toward poor decisions by advisors with unrealistic views.

Updated: 1:22 PM PKT — June 4, 2026

The Republican-led US House of Representatives has approved a resolution to block President Donald Trump from continuing the war against Iran, reflecting growing concern about the three-month-old conflict among members of his own party.

This development comes as the recent ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon boosts hopes for a broader agreement to end the war, which could lead to a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Updated: 11:50 AM PKT — June 4, 2026

The newly implemented ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is contingent on a complete cessation of fire from Hezbollah and the evacuation of its operatives from the South Litani Sector, a joint US State Department statement said. The agreement follows a previous ceasefire last month that failed to hold.

However, the truce is being tested by significant regional hostilities. Kuwait’s international airport was struck by an Iranian drone and missile attack that killed one and injured over 60, though Tehran denied responsibility. In response, US Central Command reported conducting “defensive strikes” on missile sites in southern Iran. Meanwhile, Israeli drone strikes reportedly killed at least six people in southern Lebanon, highlighting the fragility of the current calm.

Updated: 10:49 AM PKT — June 4, 2026

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has prompted a fall in global oil prices, driven by hopes it could pave the way for a broader US-Iran deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures dropped by 0.89% to $96.92 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 0.81% to $95.24. The decline reverses a 2% gain from the previous day, which was spurred by renewed hostilities in the Gulf.

While US President Donald Trump suggested progress in negotiations with Iran could come this weekend, Iran’s foreign minister stated that while contact with Washington continues, no significant progress has been made. Meanwhile, market pressures remain, with US crude stockpiles falling by 8 million barrels last week, far exceeding analysts’ expectations.

Updated: 9:47 AM PKT — June 4, 2026

Following the fourth round of tripartite talks in Washington, a joint declaration stated that Israel and Lebanon have reaffirmed their commitment to a US-brokered ceasefire. Both nations pledged to harbor no aggressive intentions towards each other and to take steps towards a comprehensive agreement aimed at reducing regional tensions.

Separately, former US President Donald Trump claimed on social media to have brokered a different ceasefire agreement directly with both Israel and Hezbollah. However, following this announcement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated that military operations in southern Lebanon would continue as planned.

Updated: 9:16 AM PKT — June 4, 2026

A US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon is contingent on a complete cessation of fire by Hezbollah and the group’s evacuation from southern Lebanon. The deal also calls for the creation of “pilot zones” where the Lebanese armed forces will have exclusive control.

Despite the agreement, hostilities continued, with Israeli strikes killing at least ten people in southern Lebanon, including three paramedics in separate attacks on ambulances and one Lebanese soldier. Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for new rocket and drone attacks on Israeli positions. Further talks are scheduled for the week of June 22.