At 4:00 AM local time, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect, bringing an end to more than a year of intense fighting. The agreement, announced jointly by Israel, France, and the United States, was described by U.S. President Joe Biden as a crucial step toward a lasting end to the hostilities.

Despite the ceasefire, both sides continued to carry out attacks right up until the moment the truce began. Israel ordered evacuations in parts of Beirut, while Hezbollah launched drones towards Israel.

Shortly after the ceasefire took effect, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a warning to residents of southern Lebanon, advising them not to return to villages that had been under evacuation orders. “We will notify you when it is safe to return,” the IDF stated on social media.

The conflict, which escalated sharply in late September, saw Israel increase airstrikes and launch a ground invasion into southern Lebanon with the aim of dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure. This has been the deadliest conflict in Lebanon in recent decades, with at least 3,823 people killed and more than one million displaced.

According to the terms of the agreement, which was brokered by the United States, Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon over the next 60 days. During this period, Hezbollah fighters and weaponry will be removed from areas south of the Litani River, with the Lebanese army taking control. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the agreement, urging Israel to fully comply and withdraw from occupied territories.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would respond decisively if Hezbollah violates any part of the agreement, stressing that Israel retains the right to self-defense under international law, a stance also supported by President Biden.