Middle East war latest developments: Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire despite fresh violence

Lebanon and Israel extended their ceasefire by 45 days on May 15, following US-mediated negotiations in Washington, despite fresh violence in the region. The April 16 truce was prolonged to allow further diplomatic progress, with the US planning military talks on May 29 and a political agreement summit on June 2 and 3, according to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott. Lebanon’s delegation welcomed the truce extension, calling it a step toward lasting stability and critical relief for civilians. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged Arab and international backing for Beirut’s negotiations with Israel, emphasizing Lebanon’s exhaustion from wars driven by foreign interests. Violence persisted despite the ceasefire, with Israeli strikes reported in Tyre and Haruf. In Tyre, an Israeli strike hit a building after an evacuation warning, while three paramedics from the Hezbollah-linked Islamic Health Committee were killed in Haruf, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The Israeli military claimed it killed over 220 Hezbollah militants and struck 440 targets in southern Lebanon over the past week. Meanwhile, the UAE rejected Iranian accusations of involvement in the conflict, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed openness to China’s support in ongoing talks with the US. Global markets reacted to the developments, with stocks slipping amid US-China summit tensions and oil prices rising to nearly $109 per barrel due to concerns over Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions. Iran stated more ships were now passing through the strait following new legal protocols.