‘Everyone must calm down’, Macron urges as US-Iran talks near

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect, with celebratory gunfire heard in Beirut as the truce began on Friday morning. The ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday, which also included Iran-backed Hezbollah in the cessation of hostilities. Joyous scenes occurred across Lebanon, with residents firing into the air to celebrate the end of fighting. However, the Lebanese army reported that Israel committed violations of the ceasefire, including intermittent shelling of several southern Lebanese villages. The Israeli military has yet to comment on these claims. The ceasefire marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on March 2.

Following an announced ceasefire agreement, residents of Beirut, Lebanon, are expressing skepticism regarding Israel's commitment to upholding the terms. The agreement, announced by then-President Trump, aimed to halt hostilities between Israel and groups within Lebanon. This wariness stems from a lack of trust in Israel's past actions and adherence to previous agreements. The Lebanese people's apprehension highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the deep-seated tensions that persist in the region. The situation underscores the need for continued monitoring and verification to ensure the ceasefire's durability and prevent renewed conflict.

Following a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US between Israel and Hezbollah, set to begin on April 16, 2026, displaced Lebanese citizens are hesitant to return to their homes. While some, like Abu Haidar, are eager to return to villages near the border, many others in Beirut express distrust in the ceasefire's stability. Having experienced previous ceasefire violations, many evacuees whose homes were damaged or destroyed plan to remain in Beirut. They are waiting for a more permanent agreement before risking a return to the war-torn south of Lebanon. The atmosphere contrasts sharply with the joyous return after a previous ceasefire in 2024.