HALIFAX – A recently announced ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is facing complications due to ongoing fighting in Lebanon, CBC News reported Friday.

According to the broadcast, Israel disputes claims that the ceasefire extends to Lebanon, despite statements from Pakistani mediators suggesting it does. Israel immediately refuted the Pakistani claim and escalated attacks on Lebanon, resulting in over 200 Lebanese deaths and more than 1,000 injuries, primarily civilians, according to the Associated Press and human rights organizations.

During the broadcast, Fawaz Jurgis, Chair of Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies at the London School of Economics, stated that Israel’s actions in the past 48 hours have significantly increased the risks to the ceasefire. He accused Israel of attempting to collectively punish the Lebanese civilian population, a claim echoed by the Italian president who condemned Israel’s actions as violations of the ceasefire. The Pakistani prime minister, who mediated between the U.S. and Iran, also condemned the escalation in Lebanon.

Jurgis suggested that without intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unlikely to de-escalate the situation. He claimed Netanyahu’s escalation is driven by domestic political concerns, including upcoming elections and criticism of his handling of the conflict with Iran. According to Jurgis, sources including The New York Times report that Netanyahu and the Mossad convinced President Trump to pursue a military confrontation with Iran, believing it would be a swift victory.

Jurgis further stated that the relationship between Netanyahu and Trump is at a “tipping point,” with American officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, reportedly angered by Netanyahu’s actions. He claimed Netanyahu was not consulted before the ceasefire announcement, leading some Americans to view Israel as a liability.

The broadcast also featured a report from Shea Ayub, a Lebanese-Canadian resident of Beirut, who described the past six weeks as “absolute terror,” with constant airstrikes and a mass displacement of over one million people in southern Lebanon. Ayub highlighted the lack of resources and shelter for those displaced, and the ongoing fear among residents.

The terms of the ceasefire remain unclear, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. and Iran have differing interpretations of “safe passage,” with Iran suggesting coordination with its armed forces and consideration of “technical limitations.” The broadcast noted that the Strait was never officially closed, but ships avoid it due to the risk of attack.

The CBC News broadcast concluded with a warning that the talks in Islamabad between the U.S. and Iran on Saturday may not take place if the fighting in Lebanon does not subside.