BEIRUT — The fragile Lebanon ceasefire agreed just weeks ago has collapsed into its deadliest stretch since the April pause, with 87 people killed in a single weekend and more than 100 Israeli strikes reported in the past 24 hours, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq confirmed Monday.
Among the dead: two paramedics affiliated with the Islamic Health Committee, killed in separate airstrikes on two southern towns. The World Health Organization has recorded 158 attacks on healthcare facilities since the escalation began in March, leaving 108 dead and 249 injured.
Three hospitals and 41 primary healthcare centres remain closed. Six hospitals in southern governorates have yet to resume maternity services. Displacement orders were issued over the weekend for multiple towns in the south and Nabatieh governorate.
“Over 100 strikes on Lebanon in 24 hours. Civilians killed. Families displaced,” Mr. Fletcher tweeted. “What people need most is a genuine ceasefire.” Since the April ceasefire agreement, nearly 600 people have been killed, according to Lebanese authorities.
IRAN TALKS: DOHA ROUND OPENS AS STRIKES FALL
Iranian negotiators Mohammad Jafar Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi arrived in Doha on Monday for the latest round of US-Iran nuclear talks, mediated by Qatar, as the conflict next door continued to burn.
Talks reportedly centre on a phased framework: an initial Hormuz de-escalation agreement — reopening the strategic shipping lane that carries roughly 20 percent of global oil — followed by a 90-day window to negotiate broader nuclear terms. Western officials caution that gaps remain wide on the nuclear timeline and uranium enrichment limits.
Trump, speaking from the White House, said a deal was “closer than it’s ever been” but declined to set a deadline. “We’re not going to be rushed,” he said. “Iran knows what has to happen. The pressure is on.”
Iran’s parliament speaker, meanwhile, issued a fresh warning to the UAE over the US-built nuclear plant near Abu Dhabi, calling it a “strategic threat” and demanding international inspectors be barred from the site — a demand Western capitals have called a non-starter.
Israel’s National Security Minister reiterated Monday that Israel reserves the right to act unilaterally against Iran’s nuclear facilities “if the world does not.”
GAZA: SEPARATE TRACK, SAME CATASTROPHE
On a separate but linked track, five Palestinians were killed Monday in an Israeli strike on a refugee camp in central Gaza, officials said. The UN estimates 8.4 million meals have been distributed to displaced Gazans, but humanitarian organisations warn the aid pipeline is under severe strain with the expanded ground offensive ongoing.
Libyan forces loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar detained members of a land convoy trying to bring aid into Gaza at a Sirte checkpoint — the latest obstruction of aid flows into the blockaded strip.
— Layla Hassan, Media Hook | May 27, 2026
