Beirut, April 17 (QNA) – A ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, announced by US President Donald Trump, has come into effect.

President Trump said on Thursday evening that the 10-day ceasefire would begin at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, providing a window for negotiations aimed at reaching a longer-term agreement.

The US State Department confirmed that both Lebanon and Israel would implement the ceasefire starting overnight, in an effort to create space for talks towards a lasting security arrangement and peace.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the announcement, describing it as a key demand that Beirut had pursued since the early days of the conflict, including during recent talks in Washington.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army urged citizens to delay returning to southern villages and towns until the ceasefire is fully in place, also warning against approaching areas where Israeli forces have advanced.

According to preliminary figures from Lebanon’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center, more than 2,196 people have been killed and over 7,185 injured since the start of the conflict. (QNA)