Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire appears to hold as Lebanese begin streaming south to their homes

We welcome the news of cessation of Israeli onslaught in Lebanon, reiterating the Islamic Republic of Iran's unwavering support for the Lebanese government, people, and resistance."

Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said in a statement released by Iran's foreign ministry

As we in the Hamas movement follow the progress of this agreement in Lebanon, we express our commitment to cooperate with any efforts to stop the fire in Gaza,

the group said in an official statement

My opinion is that after a year-plus of war, of shelling, of hostages in the south, a ceasefire agreement is an agreement that should give Israel some kind of an opening for hope,

said Roni Alon, a retired resident of Haifa in northern Israel

What we feel is indescribable,

said one Lebanese driver on the road to the south

With the ceasefire coming into effect, the army is taking the necessary measures to complete its deployment in the south,

it said

Benjamin Netanyahuprime Minister

When Hezbollah is out of the picture, Hamas is left alone in the fight. Our pressure on it will intensify,

Netanyahu said

In my opinion, it would be a serious mistake to sign an agreement as long as Hezbollah has not been completely eliminated,

said Maryam Younnes, 29, a student from Maalot-Tarshiha

We were blown away and the walls fell on top of us,

said Rola Jaafar, who lives in the building opposite

This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. What is left of Hezbollah and other terrorist organisations will not be allowed, I emphasise, will not be allowed to threaten the security of Israel again,

In remarks from the White House Rose Garden, Biden said ... he said

We will enforce the agreement and respond forcefully to any violation. Together, we will continue until victory,

Netanyahu said

Today’s announcement is a critical step … and so I applaud the courageous decision made by the leaders of Lebanon and Israel to end the violence,

he continued

They seem to be support it,

the administration official said

Joe Bidenpresident

I think so. I hope so. I’m praying.”

But asked about whether a Gaza ceasefire deal may follow, Biden said

This accord should also open the way for a ceasefire which has taken too long to arrive in the face of the immeasurable suffering of the people of Gaza.”

He added

We must not forget that war continues to plague Gaza, where France will continue its efforts for an end of hostilities, the liberation of hostages and massive delivery of humanitarian aid.”

In a

After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,

Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network

We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state,

he said, referring to Israel’s demand for freedom of action

But there is a lot to do in these 60 days,

Hochstein said in the interview

The Lebanese army cannot deploy that many forces that quickly all across the south when they haven't been there in such a long time,

he said, noting Lebanese armed forces will move in as Israeli forces depart

The army command calls on citizens to wait before returning to frontline villages and towns that Israeli enemy forces have penetrated, awaiting their withdrawal,

it said in a statement