At least 47 people were killed and 97 others wounded in Israeli airstrikes and bombardments across Lebanon on Friday, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, as renewed hostilities threatened a recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

The casualties included at least seven women and two children, officials said. The violence occurred just as a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was expected to take effect, raising concerns about the durability of efforts to end months of conflict in the region.

A U.S. official confirmed that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a ceasefire following intense exchanges of fire that placed broader regional diplomacy under pressure. However, continued fighting in southern Lebanon complicated the implementation of the agreement.

The renewed violence also affected ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States. Talks scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland aimed at advancing the next phase of the recently signed U.S.-Iran framework agreement were postponed. No new date for the negotiations has been announced.

Israel’s military reported that four Israeli soldiers were killed during heavy fighting in southern Lebanon. One of the casualties was identified as a lieutenant colonel, while the identities of the remaining soldiers were expected to be released later.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that at least 18 people were killed overnight in Israeli airstrikes targeting southern parts of the country.

The developments come amid growing uncertainty surrounding the broader West Asia peace framework. Iran’s Supreme Leader reportedly stated that he had approved the preliminary agreement to halt further escalation despite reservations, while senior Iranian officials warned that Tehran would respond forcefully to any violation of the deal.

The latest violence underscores the fragile nature of regional diplomacy, with military confrontations continuing to challenge efforts aimed at securing a lasting peace across the Middle East.