A ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group came into effect at 0200 GMT on Wednesday, marking a potential end to months of deadly conflict along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The deal, brokered by the United States and France, was confirmed by U.S. President Joe Biden and welcomed by both Israeli and Lebanese leaders.

Shortly after the truce took hold, bursts of gunfire were reported across Beirut. It remained unclear whether the gunfire was celebratory or intended as alerts for residents who may have missed earlier evacuation warnings. Meanwhile, displaced residents began returning to southern Lebanon, which had borne the brunt of Israeli strikes in recent months. Streams of vehicles carrying families and belongings were seen heading back to the region, according to eyewitnesses.

The conflict, which began in the wake of the Gaza war last year, has claimed thousands of lives and devastated communities on both sides of the border.

Speaking from the White House, President Biden expressed optimism about the agreement’s potential to permanently end hostilities. "This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities," he stated. He emphasized that the ceasefire aims to prevent Hezbollah and other groups from threatening Israel’s security. Biden also outlined plans for a gradual Israeli withdrawal over 60 days, with the Lebanese army taking control of the southern border to prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing its military infrastructure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced conditional support for the truce, warning of decisive retaliation if Hezbollah violated the agreement. He noted that the ceasefire would allow Israel to address broader regional threats, including from Iran, and focus on replenishing its military resources. “Should Hezbollah violate the agreement or attempt to rearm, we will strike decisively,” he said.

In Lebanon, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the agreement, and Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib announced the deployment of at least 5,000 Lebanese troops in southern Lebanon to oversee the transition. Hezbollah, while not formally commenting, hinted at a strengthened position despite heavy losses. Senior official Hassan Fadlallah stated, “Thousands will join the resistance ... Disarming the resistance was an Israeli proposal that fell through.”

French President Emmanuel Macron described the ceasefire as “the culmination of months of effort” in coordination with the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon. Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, also welcomed the deal. A senior U.S. official confirmed that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), alongside the U.S. and France, would monitor compliance with the truce.

Despite the ceasefire, skepticism remains. A poll conducted by Israel’s Channel 12 found only 37% of Israelis in favor of the agreement, with 32% opposing it. Critics in Israel, including opposition leaders and right-wing ministers, have called for a depopulated buffer zone in southern Lebanon, expressing doubt over the Lebanese army’s ability to restrain Hezbollah.

In southern Lebanon, returning residents expressed cautious hope. Alia Ibrahim, a displaced villager, voiced her concerns: “Our village — they destroyed half of it. God willing, we can go back to our homes and our land.”

The hours leading up to the ceasefire saw intense hostilities. Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s financial infrastructure, while Hezbollah launched rocket barrages into northern Israel. Lebanon’s health authorities reported 18 fatalities from the latest Israeli strikes.

The ceasefire agreement represents a fragile yet significant step toward stabilizing the region. As implementation begins, all eyes will be on the ability of both sides to adhere to the terms and avoid reigniting the devastating conflict.