The 'fragile ceasefire' between the United States and Iran is already showing signs of strain, with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif flagging reported violations across the conflict zone within hours of the agreement.
In a post on X, Sharif said, “Violations of ceasefire have been reported at few places across the conflict zone which undermine the spirit of peace process. I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire for two weeks, as agreed upon, so that diplomacy can take a lead role towards peaceful settlement of the conflict.”
Concerns over the truce's durability were echoed by former US counterterror official Joe Kent, who said on X, “To ensure the ceasefire is successful we must first ensure that we restrain the Israelis.”
Al-Jazeera reported that the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, warned that escalating violence risks derailing peace efforts.
“Today's wave of [Israeli military] strikes came just as hopes for an end to violence and destruction were rising. This cannot go on. Neither side can shoot or strike their way to victory,” Jeanine said.
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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he raised Israel's “violations of the ceasefire in Iran and Lebanon” during a call with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, while also appreciating Islamabad's “effective efforts to end the war and strengthen peace and security in the region,” according to a statement shared on Telegram.
On the ground, Hezbollah has adhered to the ceasefire, halting attacks on northern Israel and Israeli forces in Lebanon, Reuters reported, citing Lebanese sources close to the group.
However, Israel has continued its military operations. Al-Jazeera reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that the US-Iran ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, even as Israeli forces intensify strikes.
The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out its “largest coordinated strike” since March, targeting more than 100 Hezbollah sites across Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon.
“Within 10 minutes and across multiple areas simultaneously… the largest coordinated strike targeting more than 100 Hezbollah command centers and military sites,” the military said.
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