MIDDLE EAST LIVE 17 April: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire begins; Iran announces opening of Strait of Hormuz

Heavy machinery clears rubble from a building destroyed by airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon. Workers in safety gear are present at the site of the recent destruction.

MIDDLE EAST LIVE 17 April: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire begins; Iran announces opening of Strait of Hormuz

17 April 2026 Peace and Security

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect at midnight in Beirut, offering a pause in hostilities after weeks of fighting. The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the agreement and urged all parties to respect it, expressing hope it could open the way for further negotiations. He also welcomed Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire, calling it a step in the right direction. Stay with us for live updates. App users can follow coverage here.

♦ Receive daily updates directly in your inbox - Subscribe here to a topic.

♦ Download the UN News app for your iOS or Android devices.

News Tracker: Past Stories on This Issue

A scene of devastation in Beirut following airstrikes, showing collapsed buildings, smoke rising from rubble, and emergency personnel assessing the damage.

MIDDLE EAST LIVE 16 April: UN meets over China-Russia Hormuz crisis veto as humanitarian crisis continues in Lebanon

16 April 2026

Peace and Security

War in Lebanon continues amid the fragile US-Iran ceasefire amid hopes for direct talks between Israel and Beirut. Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly is debating the China-Russia Security Council veto on the crucial Strait of Hormuz crisis last month, with assembly president Annalena Baerbock saying debate must move “to action”, on stabilising the Middle East. Stay with us for live updates below and live Meetings Coverage on the veto meeting is here. App users can follow our live coverage here.

Smoke rises from a bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, seen from a high vantage point overlooking the city's dense urban landscape on April 8, 2026.

MIDDLE EAST LIVE 15 April: Civilian dangers intensify as Israel expands Lebanon evacuation orders

15 April 2026

Peace and Security

Across the Middle East, tensions remain high with Israeli military operations continuing in Lebanon following direct talks between the two governments in Washington on Tuesday. More than 2,000 Lebanese have been reported killed since early March. Uncertainty also continues over the crucial Strait of Hormuz crisis. Stay with us for live updates on developments on the ground, humanitarian impacts and diplomatic efforts. App users can follow coverage here.