Lebanon Economy Minister Demands Ceasefire Clarity Amid Israel Strikes
Lebanon's economy minister, Amer Bisat, has highlighted confusion over mixed signals regarding the country's inclusion in the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, with Israel excluding Lebanon while Pakistan's PM includes it. Israeli strikes continue, including an evacuation order for Tyre, displacing over 1.1 million people and killing more than 1,200. The conflict has caused an estimated 5-7% GDP loss in five weeks, devastating Lebanon's economy. International figures like France's Macron advocate for Lebanon's inclusion, but the ceasefire's stability remains uncertain due to ongoing attacks.
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Lebanon's economy minister has urgently sought clarification on whether the country is included in the U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Iran, citing conflicting statements from Israel and Pakistan, as Israeli airstrikes persist.
Conflicting Reports on Ceasefire Scope
Economy Minister Amer Bisat told CNBC that Lebanon is receiving "mixed signals" about its inclusion in the two-week truce. While Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the ceasefire applies everywhere, including Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated it does not.
Israel has ordered the evacuation of Tyre and continues strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
Hezbollah reportedly halted fire on Wednesday but has not issued a formal statement on the ceasefire.
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Humanitarian and Economic Toll
The conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis and economic collapse in Lebanon.
Over 1.1 million people displaced, with more than 1,200 killed, according to the United Nations.
Minister Bisat estimated a GDP loss of 5-7% in five weeks, erasing recent recovery gains.
"All the recovery that we saw last year has disappeared in less than a month," he said.
International Pressure and Uncertainty
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Lebanon's inclusion in the ceasefire. However, the deal's stability is questioned due to ongoing missile and drone attacks.
Global markets rose and oil prices fell below $100 per barrel after the ceasefire announcement.
Continued hostilities raise doubts about the truce's durability.
