BEIRUT, Lebanon — A 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon appeared to be holding early Friday, offering a temporary pause in hostilities between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group and raising hopes of progress toward broader diplomatic efforts to end the wider regional conflict involving Iran and the United States.
Celebrations broke out in parts of Beirut shortly after midnight, with residents firing gunshots into the air as displaced families began returning toward southern Lebanon and the capital’s southern suburbs. Authorities, however, warned civilians not to rush back until the stability of the truce becomes clearer.
A spokesperson for United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon said no airstrikes had been observed since midnight, although they reported continued Israeli airspace violations and artillery fire in parts of the south. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to the allegations.
According to a U.S.-circulated agreement, Israel retains the right to act in self-defense against imminent threats but is barred from conducting offensive operations in southern Lebanon.
The ceasefire was welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who described it as a “historic day for Lebanon” while expressing optimism that the broader war involving Iran could soon end. Speaking at an unrelated event, he said the conflict was “going along swimmingly” and suggested it may conclude soon.
The truce comes amid intensifying diplomatic activity across the region. Pakistan’s military leadership has engaged Iranian officials in efforts to extend the ceasefire framework, while international mediators continue discussions on broader settlement terms involving Iran, Israel, and Western governments.
The conflict has exacted a heavy human toll, with thousands reported killed across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and Gulf Arab states, as well as casualties among U.S. service members.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high over Israel’s continued military presence in southern Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military would observe the truce but insisted that efforts to disarm Hezbollah were incomplete. He also said Israeli forces would maintain positions in a buffer zone extending up to 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory and warned that many homes in the area would not be accessible to returning residents.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier said the agreement was intended to advance peace efforts but confirmed that Israeli troops would not fully withdraw. Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it retained “the right to resist” what it considers an occupation and signaled that its response would depend on developments on the ground.
Under the terms outlined by the U.S. State Department, Israel may act defensively against imminent or ongoing attacks but is otherwise prohibited from launching offensive operations against Lebanese territory, including civilian and military targets.
The ceasefire follows weeks of indirect diplomacy facilitated by Washington, including rare coordinated engagement between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in the United States. A White House official said the agreement was shaped through a series of calls involving U.S. and regional leaders, including President Trump, Israeli officials, and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Israel and Hezbollah have fought multiple conflicts over the years, with tensions escalating after the Gaza war and again following renewed hostilities linked to the broader Iran-Israel confrontation. Previous ceasefire arrangements have repeatedly broken down amid continued cross-border attacks.
The latest truce is also being viewed in the context of parallel negotiations over maritime security and energy flows, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, where restricted access has disrupted global oil shipments. European and regional officials have warned that prolonged closure of the waterway could trigger deeper economic consequences.
While the current ceasefire has brought a brief pause in fighting, officials and analysts caution that its durability will depend on whether broader political agreements can be reached on border security, military withdrawals, and the role of armed groups in southern Lebanon.
