Israel has claimed that more than 220 Hezbollah fighters were killed in southern Lebanon over the past week, according to a report by Pakistani media outlet Geo News.

In a statement issued on Friday (May 15), the Israeli military announced that over 220 Hezbollah fighters, who were reportedly involved in planning and executing attacks against Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel, were eliminated over the last seven days.

The military added that during the same period, its forces struck more than 440 Hezbollah targets across various locations in southern Lebanon.

Ceasefire Extended by 45 Days
Concurrently, Lebanon and Israel have agreed to extend their ongoing ceasefire for an additional 45 days. The development was confirmed by US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

Taking to the social media platform X on Friday (May 15) local time, Pigott stated: "Two days of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Washington concluded today. It was a highly productive dialogue. Following these talks, the cessation of hostilities originally declared on April 16 has been extended by 45 days."

The Israeli military operation in southern Lebanon commenced on March 2, following US airstrikes in Iran on March 28.

After nearly a month and a half of intense hostilities, Israel and Lebanon agreed to a US-mediated ceasefire on April 16.

The truce was originally set to expire this coming Sunday, but the new agreement has successfully pushed the deadline back by another 45 days.