### Israeli Defense Force Attacks Hezbollah Rocket Launcher After Ceasefire

On Thursday, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) launched an attack on a Hezbollah rocket launcher near Saida, Lebanon's third-largest city. This marks the first Israeli strike since the ceasefire agreement took effect on Wednesday morning. The IDF stated that they targeted the launcher after identifying "terrorist activity" within the facility where the rockets were being housed.

The Lebanese military has accused Israel of violating the newly established ceasefire, claiming that multiple strikes were carried out by the IDF on both Wednesday and Thursday. France and the United States, which are acting as guarantors of the ceasefire agreement, have yet to comment on these developments.

In approving the ceasefire on Tuesday, Israel's Security Cabinet, along with Lebanese officials, aimed to end over a year of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The U.S.-brokered agreement is seen as a crucial step towards stability in the region, allowing hundreds of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border to begin returning to their homes.

A senior U.S. official confirmed that the ceasefire agreement had been reached, highlighting its significance in halting the loss and injury of thousands. More than 3,500 Lebanese have lost their lives, and over 15,000 have been injured in the extended period of hostilities.

President Biden's envoy, Amos Hochstein, underscored the urgency of this agreement during his visit to Beirut on Tuesday. Hochstein had arrived in Lebanon on Monday to finalize the deal aimed at ending the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.