Is it a ceasefire when attacks and violence continue every day?

Ceasefires are officially in place in Iran, Lebanon and Gaza. Yet every day, you’re reading reports of new attacks in each territory.

This raises the question: When is a ceasefire no longer a ceasefire?

The term may still be true in a political sense: The two sides have agreed to the truce and neither has backed out.

In these cases, you should include details about what’s happening on the ground. You can call it a "tenuous" or "shaky" ceasefire, depending on the situation. You can also refer to a “ceasefire deal,” which speaks to the political process and not just the military/security dynamic.  If you use the word ceasefire in a headline or lead, add the detailed language on second reference.
Here are some examples of context to include in stories:
—  The U.S. has repeatedly struck at what they said were threats inside Iran.
—  Iran and its militant allies have launched missile, rocket and drone attacks, including on Israel, calling them a response to ceasefire violations in Iran and Lebanon.
—  Since the April ceasefire, Israel has struck Iran in response to Iranian attacks.
—  Israel continues to occupy large swaths of southern Lebanon while battling Hezbollah fighters, causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Hezbollah, which is not part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, has launched frequent rocket and drone attacks. In the case of Lebanon, you can call it a "ceasefire in name only," including details and explanation.
—  Israel has seized more territory in Gaza and launched deadly strikes since a ceasefire started in October. Israeli strikes have killed more than 970 people in Gaza since then; five Israel soldiers were killed during that period.

 

For more guidance on covering conflict in the Middle East, you can see our Topical Guide. If you’re not an AP Stylebook subscriber and want to join, start here: https://www.apstylebook.com/