OTTAWA – A recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran is already showing signs of strain, with reports of heavy Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, CBC News reported during its evening broadcast, The National.

Lebanon Under Attack Despite Truce

According to the broadcast, approximately 100 Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut neighbourhoods within ten minutes, targeting what Israel claims were Hezbollah militants. Residents reported living in fear, expecting a ceasefire that did not materialize. The attacks reportedly defied expectations of Iranian and Pakistani mediators who believed Lebanon was included in the truce agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the ceasefire is not an end to the military campaign, but a pause to achieve their goals, adding that further fighting will occur if Iran does not cease uranium enrichment and if Hezbollah remains a threat. Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the ceasefire as a diplomatic failure, suggesting U.S. priorities are overshadowing Israel’s interests. Iran has reportedly vowed to stand by its Hezbollah allies and threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if attacks in Lebanon continue.

Canadian MP Shifts Allegiance

Separately, the Canadian Liberal government is closer to securing a majority in Parliament following the defection of Ontario Conservative MP Marilyn Gladue, CBC News reported. This marks the fifth MP to join the Liberal caucus since the fall. With three by-elections scheduled for next week, a Liberal victory in at least one of those races would solidify their majority, according to CBC News.

Additionally, the broadcast included updates on the Artemis II mission, with astronauts preparing for their return to Earth, and coverage of legal developments in the United States, including guilty pleas in the cases of serial killer Rex Heuermann and the individual responsible for providing the fentanyl that led to the death of actor Matthew Perry. Tensions are also rising in Nova Scotia over cannabis dispensaries and First Nations treaty rights.