Four people died in southern Lebanon on Saturday from Israeli strikes on motorcycles and trucks, the Lebanese health ministry reported, despite a ceasefire extended earlier this week between Israel and Hezbollah.
The deaths occurred as Israeli artillery shelled several villages in southern Lebanon, including a powerful explosion in the strategic town of Chihay, where the Israeli military has been systematically destroying homes and buildings, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The Israeli military also warned residents not to return to dozens of villages along the so-called “blue line,” which stretches about 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory, and reported that Hezbollah rocket launch sites were active in some areas overnight.
Since the conflict began on March 2, over 2,490 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Lebanese officials said. On Friday, Hezbollah’s legal representative Ali Fayad stated the group reserves the right to respond to any Israeli aggression during the ceasefire, arguing that extending the truce holds no meaning amid continued Israeli attacks.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the extension of the ten-day ceasefire that began on April 17 for an additional three weeks. The same day, he canceled a planned trip by U.S. Envoys to Pakistan for Iran negotiations, saying too much time had been wasted on travel and that there was confusion within Iranian leadership about who was in charge.
On Saturday, Trump told Fox News and reiterated on his Truth Social platform that Iranian officials could call Washington anytime they wished to talk, saying, “They can call us whenever they want,” and adding, “If they want to talk, they just have to call!!!”
Iran maintains that direct talks with the U.S. Are not currently planned, though U.S. Envoys are traveling to Pakistan for possible discussions. Pakistan is seen as a potential intermediary to convey Iran’s position on ending the conflict. The U.S. Emphasizes the importance of diplomacy and extending the ceasefire, though previous talks ended without agreement. Iran says it still possesses large missile stockpiles and continues weapons production, whereas the U.S. Claims Iran’s military capabilities have been weakened.
For more on this story, see Israel-Lebanon Conflict: Escalating Strikes and International Reaction.
How the ceasefire extension affects civilians in southern Lebanon
The extension of the ceasefire has not stopped Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, where civilians continue to face danger from artillery shelling and aerial attacks. Residents remain displaced, with the Israeli military maintaining warnings against returning to villages near the border. The Lebanese health ministry’s report of four deaths on Saturday underscores the gap between the diplomatic agreement and the reality on the ground.
What Trump’s cancellation of the Pakistan trip signals about U.S. Strategy
By canceling the envoy trip to Pakistan, Trump signaled frustration with diplomatic processes that require travel and coordination, insisting instead that Iran initiate contact directly with the U.S. His remarks reflect a preference for direct communication over mediated talks, even as the U.S. Continues to frame its approach as diplomatic.
This follows our earlier report, US-Iran Diplomacy: Push for Deal and Ceasefire Extension Gains Momentum.
Why Iran insists on direct talks despite U.S. Envoy movements
Iran says direct talks with the U.S. Are not planned, even as U.S. Officials travel to Pakistan for potential discussions. This stance suggests Tehran may be testing the sincerity of U.S. Outreach or seeking to avoid negotiations it views as unfavorable, while maintaining its military readiness.
Why did Trump cancel the envoy trip to Pakistan?
Trump said too much time had been wasted on travel and that there was confusion within Iranian leadership about who was in charge, adding that the U.S. Holds all the leverage in any potential talks.
What is the current status of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire?
The ceasefire that began on April 17 was extended for three weeks on Thursday, but Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon, resulting in civilian casualties and ongoing displacement despite the agreement.
Can Iran and the U.S. Still negotiate despite the canceled trip?
Trump said Iranian officials can contact the U.S. Directly at any time, suggesting negotiations remain possible if Iran initiates contact, though no formal talks are currently scheduled.