Ceasefire deal extended to Feb. 18, talks over Hezbollah captives to begin

The ceasefire arrangement between Lebanon and Israel, monitored by the United States, will continue to be in effect until February 18, the White House said late Sunday.

"The Government of Lebanon, the Government of Israel, and the Government of the United States will also begin negotiations for the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7, 2023," the White House added, referring to the Hezbollah fighters who were captured by Israel during the September-November war.

The announcement comes after Israel failed to withdraw its army from south Lebanon by the January 26 deadline stipulated in the ceasefire agreement and after Israeli forces opened fire at residents returning to southern border towns killing 22 of them and wounding 124 others.