Displaced Lebanese residents have begun returning to their homes in southern Lebanon after a 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel took effect. Tens of thousands traveled back to devastated towns such as Nabatieh, despite warnings from the Lebanese army to delay their return and Hezbollah’s caution that it remains ready to respond to any Israeli violations. The ceasefire, which followed more than a month of Israeli air strikes and ground operations, has so far largely held, though Lebanon’s army reported intermittent shelling and other breaches. A boy was killed by unexploded ordnance in Majdal Selem, and rescuers recovered 13 bodies in Tyre from attacks that occurred before the truce.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned that ongoing military activity could undermine the ceasefire and urged protection for civilians on both sides. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the truce did not end Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the ceasefire a gateway to direct negotiations aimed at securing Israel’s withdrawal and prisoner recovery.

The truce could also ease tensions in broader US-Iran talks, with Pakistan and Iran viewing the agreement as a step toward regional stability.