For now, links to FIVE reports: from the Cradle, National Public Radio, and Middle East Eye; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials as highlighted. (Scroll down for LEBANON 4-9-26, and up or down for today’s IRAN, WEST BANK and MEDIA so far.) — MCM

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Heavy clashes rage in south Lebanon as Hezbollah confronts invading troops. From the Cradle. According to reports from Al Mayadeen, fighting remains active in and around the southern Lebanese city of Bint Jbeil, despite Israeli media claims that forces have taken control of the city and killed hundreds of fighters. READ MORE . . .

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Israel and Lebanon agree to hold ceasefire talks. Reported by Carrie Kahn and Steve Inskeep | NPR  These first direct ceasefire talks decades would be a bid to halt the violence in southern Lebanon. Click HERE to listen and, later, read; and HERE and HERE for all 10 segments related to the Iran war from NPR’s “All Things Considered” Thursday and “Morning Edition” today.

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Survivors recount Israel’s massacre in Beirut, by Rita Kabalan | Middle East Eye  BEIRUT — Simultaneous strikes by Israeli warplanes on densely populated areas on Wednesday — including in Beirut, its southern suburbs, the eastern Beqaa governorate and southern villages — killed more than 300 people and wounded over 1,150, according to the Lebanese health ministry. READ MORE . . .

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FROM APRIL 9  Spain orders reopening of Tehran embassy, condemns Israel’s carpet bombing of Lebanon. From the Cradle. Spain is reopening its embassy in Tehran in hopes of achieving “peace” in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares declared on Thursday. READ MORE . . .

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FROM APRIL 9  White House ‘signed off’ on Pakistan’s declaration that Iran ceasefire included Lebanon: report. From the Cradle.  The White House was directly involved in “shaping” the ceasefire announcement by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, having reviewed and approved it before publication, according to a New York Times report on Wednesday. READ MORE . . .

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TO BE CONTINUED