Thousands of displaced Lebanese civilians began returning home after a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect, raising hopes of a pause in weeks of intense cross-border fighting. Despite warnings from the Lebanese army and ongoing security concerns, families gathered at damaged crossings and roads, eager to reach southern Beirut and the country’s heavily bombarded south.

Hezbollah signaled it would respect the truce as long as Israel halted its attacks, though it warned it remained ready to respond to any violations. Israel said it had carried out hundreds of strikes before the ceasefire and would stay on high alert, maintaining a security zone along the border. Violence persisted until shortly before the truce began, with additional casualties reported in southern Lebanon.

The ceasefire was brokered under pressure from President Donald Trump as part of broader efforts to secure a deal involving Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the truce as an opportunity for a historic peace agreement, while Lebanese leaders welcomed the halt in fighting but stopped short of direct engagement. The coming days are expected to test whether the temporary ceasefire can lead to a more lasting settlement.