Israeli military imposes curfew on travel to southern Lebanon as ceasefire seems to be holding – Live coverage of Middle East crisis in Lebanon

The Israeli military has imposed a curfew in southern Lebanon, preventing travel south of the Litani river until 7am. Israeli forces have warned against violating the ceasefire agreement and urged residents to remain where they are. The US plans a $680m arms sale to Israel, while France has suggested it would not arrest Netanyahu under an ICC warrant. Lebanon is set to reopen schools following the ceasefire, and Macron has played a role in brokering peace. The French statement on ICC warrants has been criticized by rights groups. Amidst a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, schools are resuming educational duties. France’s foreign ministry has indicated it would work closely with Netanyahu despite the ICC warrant. Lebanon’s army is reinforcing its presence in south Lebanon following the ceasefire. The Biden administration aims to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza without Hamas in power. Al Jazeera reports quotes from Iran’s speaker of parliament welcoming the ceasefire in Lebanon. Biden’s national security adviser has reiterated the US’s commitment to secure a Gaza ceasefire. The Israeli military claims to have thwarted a weapons smuggling operation from Iran into the West Bank. France has conveyed immunity for Netanyahu in response to the ICC warrant. Biden has announced a renewed push for a Gaza ceasefire without Hamas in power, with previous attempts having failed. Hamas has expressed interest in reaching an agreement to end the war in Gaza.

Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com