Israeli strike in Baalbek, Labanon kills Islamic Jihad commander, his daughter

A senior representative of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement and his daughter were killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a residential apartment in the city of Baalbek.

The incident occurred amid simultaneous air raids and artillery shelling of southern towns, Caliber.Az reports, citing Lebanese media.

The United States has announced a 45-day extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon following two days of negotiations hosted by Washington.

In a statement posted on X, US State Department spokesperson Tommy Bigott said the talks, held on May 14 and 15, were “highly productive."

According to the statement, the cessation of hostilities agreement first reached on April 16 will remain in effect for an additional 45 days to allow further diplomatic progress.

The State Department said a new round of political negotiations between Israel and Lebanon is scheduled for June 2 and 3.

In parallel, a separate security track involving military delegations from both countries will begin at the Pentagon on May 29.

Washington said it hopes the discussions will help advance a lasting peace agreement, including mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as stronger security arrangements along the Israel-Lebanon border.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov