10-Day Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Takes Effect as Fighting Halts, Celebrations Erupt in Beirut

17/04/2026

WASHINGTON/BEIRUT (AP), April 17: A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force at midnight local time, marking a pause in weeks of escalating violence along the border.

The truce was announced by Donald Trump and agreed upon by both sides following their first direct diplomatic talks in decades, held in Washington earlier this week. The breakthrough comes after more than a month of intense clashes involving the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Tensions had remained high until the final moments before the ceasefire took effect. Hezbollah continued launching attacks targeting northern Israeli communities late into Thursday night, leaving at least eight people injured, including two seriously, according to Israeli emergency services. Air raid sirens were still sounding in parts of northern Israel minutes before the truce began, while the Israeli military reported striking Hezbollah rocket launchers in response.

As the guns fell silent, scenes of celebration erupted in Beirut. Residents fired gunshots into the air and launched rocket-propelled grenades in jubilation to mark the ceasefire, despite official warnings against such actions.

In a sign of cautious optimism, displaced families began returning to southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, even as authorities urged residents to wait until the situation stabilizes and the ceasefire’s durability becomes clear.

The coming days are expected to test whether the fragile truce can hold and pave the way for longer-term de-escalation in the region.