Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes effect, halting deadly war in Lebanon

A ceasefire in between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon appeared to be holding after it came into effect at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday (10 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday). President Biden announced the ceasefire deal Tuesday, saying the U.S. and France had helped broker the agreement.

Celebratory gunshots were heard in Beirut, where people took to the streets to cheer the cessation of hostilities — however long it lasts.

Lebanon’s army said it was preparing to send troops to the country’s south, where they will help ensure the truce deal is adhered to, and they asked residents of the border region not to return until Israeli forces pull out, according to the Reuters news agency.

The Israeli military warned Lebanese residents to stay away from previously evacuated areas across the south, east and around the capital Beirut, but several highways were crowded with vehicles carrying people back to their homes, many of which were in ruins after months of devastating Israeli airstrikes.

Read more: CBS News