Israeli airstrikes kill 8 in Lebanon as Trump claims peace deal with Iran is just days away

Israeli airstrikes kill 8 in Lebanon as Trump claims peace deal with Iran is just days away US President Donald Trump's 'pece deal' under threat within hours of ceasefire as Israeli launches major attack on southern Lebanon, putting Middle East on high-alert for conflict to return Israeli airstrikes killed eight in Lebanon after attacks continued early into Tuesday morning and the US claimed a Middle East peace deal was just days away. It raises major concerns that Israel’s defence from the Hezbollah threat could undermine hopes of a peace settlement, despite US claims of an imminent peace deal. The attack came after evacuation orders were issued on the city of Tyre, southern Lebanon and it was understood Iran and Israel had agreed to stop tit-for-tat attacks. Although Iran had promised to stop firing missiles at Israel, it had warned attacks on Lebanon would end any ceasefire and prompt a more “severe” response. Israel was said to have agreed to halt fighting in Lebanon, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned of a “full force” reaction if Hezbollah attacked. The evacuation on Tyre, Lebanon’s fifth largest city, warned citizens: "Out of concern for your safety, we urge you to evacuate your homes immediately… Your presence near Hezbollah elements or their facilities or combat endangers your lives." It also accused the Shia network Hezbollah of violating any ceasefire, and airstrikes on Tyre continued well into Tuesday morning. Tyre is south of the Litani River - a key demarcation line throughout the current and past conflicts, and the area hardest hit by Israeli attacks. It is known to have a large Shia Muslim majority, as well as Sunni and Christian communities. Israel’s warplanes and drones also targeted the neighbouring Nabatieh region killing several more people, including a 16-year-old boy. Iranian state TV also reported on Tuesday that at least two members of an Iranian military air defence unit were killed in Israeli attacks on Monday. Those airstrikes were in response to Iran firing dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel in revenge for an attack on Beirut. US President Donald Trump claimed a settlement with Iran coming within days and that negotiators were "in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal that will not allow in any way, shape or form nuclear weapons”. And he added that “...the Strait [of Hormuz] will open up right away. It will open up immediately upon signing, which could be in two or three days." This is thought to be the 16th time Trump has claimed a peace deal was close. Trump also confirmed said pilots from a US Apache helicopter that went down near the strait last night were safe and well. It is not known why the Apache ran into trouble. The US President also claims Israeli Prime Minister did not defy him by launching airstrikes on Iran after being told not to react to the Iranian attack. And he even maintained that claim despite the continued Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon and warning against them by Tehran. Iran is believed to be convinced Israel is not acting independently of US control and that raises questions over whether Netanyahu could scupper any peace deal.