HALIFAX – A recently announced ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is facing complications due to continued 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 that it does. Israel immediately refuted the Pakistani claim, escalating attacks on Lebanon. These attacks reportedly killed over 200 people, and injured more than 1,000, with the majority of casualties being civilians, according to the Associated Press and human rights organizations.

Iran has stated that the truce includes Lebanon and, until an agreement is reached on the scope of the ceasefire, will continue to restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Fawaz Jurgis, Chair of Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science, told CBC News that the ceasefire is “very fragile” and that Israel’s actions in the past 48 hours have “multiplied the risks” to the truce. Jurgis claimed Israel is attempting to “collectively punish the civilian population” in Lebanon, a claim supported by condemnation from the Italian president.

Jurgis further stated that without intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unlikely to de-escalate the situation. He suggested Netanyahu’s actions are motivated by domestic political concerns, including upcoming elections and criticism of his handling of relations with Iran. Jurgis also indicated that some American officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, are reportedly angered by Netanyahu’s actions and view Israel as a potential liability.

The broadcast also included a segment on Canadian politics, discussing MP Marilyn Gladue’s recent crossing the floor from the Conservative to the Liberal party. Acadia University professor Alex Marland suggested that such moves are often the result of backroom negotiations and can be perceived as elitist, potentially disregarding the views of constituents.