LiveLive Updates June 18, 2026Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeJune 18, 2026UpdatesSwitzerland says initial talks on implementing Iran-U.S. deal still set for Friday⁠Initial ‌talks between the ‌United States and Iran are ⁠planned at the Buergenstock ⁠mountaintop resort in Switzerland on Friday, following the signing of a cease-fire agreement between ‌Tehran and Washington, ‌the Swiss government said on Thursday."As things stand, the plan is still for the U.S. and Iran, along with mediators Pakistan and Qatar ⁠and other involved countries, to meet tomorrow at ‌Buergenstock for ⁠initial negotiations about ‌implementing the agreement."No further information is currently available ⁠regarding the schedule and details of this meeting," the Swiss foreign ministry ‌said in a statement.Israeli reservist Alexander Filin killed in combat in southern Lebanon, military announcesThe Israeli military says that Master Sergeant (Res.) Alexander Filin, 29, was killed in combat in southern Lebanon on Wednesday.Master Sergeant (res.) Alexander Filin Credit: IDF Spokesperson's UnitMaster Sergeant (res.) Alexander Filin Credit: IDF Spokesperson's UnitAccording to the IDF, Filin was from Haifa and was a combat soldier in the 36th Division command post.In the same incident, seven additional soldiers were also wounded.All the injured soldiers were evacuated to a hospital to receive medical treatment and their families have been notified, the army said.Read the full articleUN chief warns Israeli settlers could join blacklist for violations against childrenUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday that Israeli settler groups could be added to a global blacklist for violations against children as he voiced alarm at a "staggering" rise in violations against Palestinian children.Palestinian children play in the village of Beitin, northeast of Ramallah in the West Bank, on Sunday. Credit: AFP/ZAIN JAAFARPalestinian children play in the village of Beitin, northeast of Ramallah in the West Bank, on Sunday. Credit: AFP/ZAIN JAAFARThe world body's annual report on Children and Armed Conflict recorded 38,558 "grave violations" globally in 2025, affecting 24,174 children, the latter figure a record since CAAC's mandate began in 1996.The data showed 14,224 children killed or maimed, with a 34% rise over 2024 in the number killed to 6,266. It said the United Nations had verified the killing of 2,668 Palestinian children in Gaza and 57 in the West Bank.Israel itself already features in the report's so-called list of shame annexes for alleged violations, but the latest version for the first time highlights settlers as a potential future listing."I am appalled by the magnitude of grave violations against children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, notably by the widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas," Guterres said in the report."I am deeply alarmed at the staggering rise in attacks carried out by Israeli settlers resulting in grave violations against Palestinian children," Guterres added.He said Israeli settler groups should be listed if the high number of violations is repeated in 2026.The report said 9,465 grave violations were attributed to Israeli forces and 326 to Israeli settlers.It defines grave violations as including the killing and maiming of children, rape and other forms of sexual violence, and attacks on schools and hospitals.Israel's UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.U.S. and Iran sign memorandum to end war; Pakistani PM says deal takes 'immediate effect'U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war between the two countries.The memo had been signed digitally on Sunday by Vice President JD Vance and Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and witnessed by Trump, the official said.The White House said Trump signed a memorandum of understanding on ending the war in Iran while at Versailles.Le Président Trump a signé ce soir à Versailles l’accord entre l’Iran et les États-Unis.