Israel-Lebanon 10-day ceasefire begins amid warnings and displaced residents returning home
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
A 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel commenced on Friday, prompting many displaced residents to head south towards their homes despite warnings from the Lebanese army about "a number of violations." The army advised against returning due to "several Israeli acts of aggression" shortly after the truce began at midnight local time. However, images showed cars moving south along Lebanon鈥檚 coastal highway. Displaced resident Alaa Damash noted that people's "love for their lands and houses, and their attachment to them, pushed them to go back there despite the fire threats." The ceasefire is a key step in Washington鈥檚 efforts to end its war with Iran, with Tehran insisting a Lebanon truce be part of any agreement. Mediator Islamabad has been leading international efforts to restart face-to-face talks between Tehran and Washington. The fighting in Lebanon began on March 2 after Tehran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel. Gunfire was heard in Beirut鈥檚 southern suburbs as the ceasefire took effect, possibly a celebration. Israel鈥檚 military stated it had struck over 380 "Hezbollah terror organization targets in southern Lebanon" and remained on "high alert." Trump said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who agreed to the truce "in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries." Trump expected Netanyahu and Aoun to visit the White House soon. Netanyahu called the ceasefire an opportunity for a "historic peace agree
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