A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon officially began at midnight on Thursday, aiming to pave the way toward a permanent end to the conflict.
The skyline of Beirut lit up with fireworks and celebratory gunfire as the ceasefire came into effect.
According to AFP journalists, gunshots and the sound of RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades) echoed through the air shortly after midnight, continuing for over half an hour, with bright tracer rounds streaking across the sky.
Footage from AFPTV showed residents returning to the southern suburbs of the city, a stronghold of Hezbollah. Some were seen waving the group’s yellow flags or carrying portraits of its late leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israel in 2024.
Videos circulating on social media also showed convoys of vehicles in several southern areas, as displaced residents began returning to their homes.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the moment as potentially historic for Lebanon.
“Good things are happening!” Trump wrote in one of his many posts on Truth Social on Thursday.
He also warned Hezbollah to behave during this critical period.
“I hope Hezbollah acts properly during this important time. It will be a great moment for them if they do. Enough killing. We must finally have peace!” Trump added.
However, shortly after the ceasefire took effect, the Lebanese army accused Israel of carrying out “a series of aggressive acts” in violation of the agreement.
Earlier, the U.S. State Department stated that following direct talks in Washington this week, both sides affirmed that they are not at war and committed to engaging in good-faith negotiations, facilitated by the United States.
The ceasefire is described as a “gesture of goodwill” by Israel to support negotiations toward a lasting security and peace agreement between the two countries. It may be extended by mutual agreement if progress is made and if Lebanon demonstrates effective control over its territory, including limiting Hezbollah’s influence.
At the same time, the agreement emphasizes that Israel retains the right to take necessary self-defense measures against any imminent or ongoing threats.
Following the ceasefire, the Lebanese government, with international support, is expected to take steps to prevent Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups from operating within its territory.
Both parties have acknowledged Lebanon’s sole responsibility for sovereignty and national defense, while also requesting that the United States continue leading negotiations on unresolved issues, including border demarcation and a long-term peace agreement.
