Lebanon–Israel 10-day ceasefire takes effect today, Beirut celebrates

A 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel came into effect, triggering celebrations across Beirut, where residents marked the pause in hostilities with scenes of public relief and jubilation.

Shortly after midnight, celebrations spread across several neighbourhoods in the Lebanese capital, with sporadic gunfire heard in the air as residents expressed relief at the start of the truce.

Displaced families also began returning to parts of southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, although authorities urged caution, warning that the situation remains uncertain.

The ceasefire was announced on Thursday by US President Donald Trump, who said the Iran-backed group Hezbollah is included in the agreement.

However, tensions persisted despite the truce. The Lebanese Army accused Israel of shelling several villages in the south shortly after the ceasefire took effect, calling it a violation of the agreement. There was no immediate response from the Israeli military.

Hezbollah said it carried out its final attack at 11:50 p.m. local time, just minutes before the ceasefire officially began.

In a social media statement, Trump urged restraint, saying he expected Hezbollah to “act peacefully” during the ceasefire period and warned against further violence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had agreed to the ceasefire to advance peace efforts but stressed that Israeli forces would not withdraw from a designated “security zone” inside Lebanon.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the agreement, calling it a key national demand since the start of the conflict.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed the truce as part of efforts to ease regional tensions, while Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain described it as a positive step toward de-escalation.