19/06/2026 13:23 - Internacionales
Columna de humo elevándose sobre una zona urbana en el sur del Líbano tras bombardeo israelí, con edificios residenciales dañados y vehículos de emergencia en la escena
Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, as announced on Friday, June 19, 2026, by a US official cited by AFP. The truce was negotiated by American and Qatari mediators following intense discussions with both parties.
The announcement came amid extreme tension: Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon caused at least 18 deaths and 33 injuries in the early hours of Friday, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. This represents the highest casualty toll since the framework agreement between the United States and Iran was announced on June 17.
Simultaneously, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the death of four Israeli soldiers during operations in southern Lebanon, including Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon. These mark the first Israeli military casualties following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.
Source: Lebanese Ministry of Public Health
Itamar Ben Gvir (Israeli Minister of National Security): "All of Lebanon must burn. For every tear from an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep."
Abbas Araqchi (Iranian Foreign Minister): "Israel represents a threat to all humanity. Its only interest is permanent war."
Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group, considered one of the most powerful non-state armed forces in the world. It operates primarily in Lebanon and has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, though some nations distinguish between its political and military wings.
The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has been ongoing for decades, with periodic escalations along the Lebanon-Israel border. The current conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, is considered one of the most intense flare-ups in recent years.
The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the indefinite postponement of the technical meeting between the United States, Iran, and mediators Qatar and Pakistan. The meeting was scheduled for Friday, June 19, at the Bürgenstock resort complex near Lucerne.
The decision came hours after US Vice President JD Vance canceled his trip. "Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these conversations. The corresponding preparatory work continues," the official statement indicated.
Following the reopening agreed upon in the memorandum of understanding, the maritime tracking platform AXSMarine reported 25 verified commercial vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, June 18, the highest daily number since April 18.
Before the war, approximately 120 vessels crossed daily through this strategic waterway. Currently, more than 500 commercial vessels remain blocked in the Gulf with approximately 11,000 sailors on board, according to the International Maritime Organization.
• Conflict started: February 28, 2026
• Confirmed deaths: Over 3,700
• Framework agreement: 14 points
• Reconstruction fund: USD 300 billion
The Lebanese Shia group claimed two attacks against Israeli troops attempting to advance in southern Lebanon. The organization cited "repeated ceasefire violations" by Israel as justification.
Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that any negotiation with the United States will be limited by Tehran's "red lines": "If the enemy seeks to exceed, we will not hesitate to deliver a crushing response."
In a context of internal tension, Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi was sentenced to 74 lashes and banned from traveling and practicing her profession for two years for performing without a hijab during a YouTube concert in December 2024. Eight members of her band received the same sentence.
The criminal court in Qom province alleged that the group disseminated "vulgar and immoral content." The concert has accumulated nearly 3 million views on YouTube.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
