Lebanon's economy minister seeks clarity on ceasefire 'mixed signals' as Israeli strikes continue

Lebanon is seeking urgent clarity on whether it's part of the ceasefire pausing the Iran war, its economy minister told CNBC, adding it was getting "mixed signals." Israel, which has been striking Iranian-allied Hezbollah targets within Lebanon, has said the two-week truce does not apply to the country and on Wednesday issued an evacuation order for the southern city of Tyre ahead of potential strikes. "We're getting mixed signals, or mixed reports," Amer Bisat, Lebanese economy minister, told CNBC on Wednesday. "Some are suggesting that Lebanon is part of a ceasefire, others, including from Israel, are suggesting that it's not. This is something we need to be confirming over the next few hours. Obviously, our hope, our demand, has always been to end hostilities," he told CNBC's Dan Murphy. watch now VIDEO 7:36 07:36 Lebanon's Economy Minister reacts to Iran ceasefire Access Middle East Lebanon's status in the ceasefire seems uncertain after the deal was announced late on Tuesday. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who helped to broker the agreement, announced on social media platform X overnight that the U.S., Iran and their regional allies "have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere." But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office contradicted that statement, with a post on X earlier Wednesday claiming "the two-week ceasefire does not include Lebanon." 'Devastating' setback Lebanon and its capital Beirut have been the target of Israeli-led attacks against Iranian proxy Hezbollah over the last five weeks. Israeli ground forces have invaded the south of the country as part of a parallel campaign against Tehran. Hezbollah reportedly halted fire against northern Israel and Israeli troops in Lebanon early on Wednesday. The group is expected to issue a formal statement on the ceasefire in due course, according to Reuters. French President Emmanuel Macron joined calls for Lebanon to be included in the ceasefire deal. T...