BEIRUT, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Loud bursts of gunfire echoed across Beirut and its southern suburbs after midnight, as residents took to the streets -- many on motorbikes -- to celebrate the start of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
In Dahieh, south of Beirut, crowds gathered shortly after the truce took effect, firing weapons into the air in a display of jubilation following more than a month of deadly escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, which has claimed over 2,000 lives.
"We wanted to feel that the war is over, even if just for now," said a resident in Dahieh, who prefers not to be named. "People need a moment like this."
The celebrations came after a tense night of high-stakes escalation. Minutes before the midnight deadline, Israeli airstrikes intensified across southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah launched fire toward Israel.
The 10-day truce officially took effect at midnight local time between Thursday and Friday (2100 GMT). However, by early Friday morning, the situation remained fluid, though daily activity resumed cautiously.
In Beirut, streets appeared busier than in previous days, with residents moving about more freely despite lingering anxiety.
"We heard the gunfire, but it wasn't fear this time," said Rana Khalil, a Beirut resident. "Still, no one knows what will happen next."
The ceasefire followed diplomatic efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to contain escalating cross-border violence and create space for further negotiations.
However, key differences remain unresolved. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Friday that Israeli forces will continue to hold all areas they have "cleared and seized" in Lebanon, underscoring that military operations against Hezbollah are not yet complete.
Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities have emphasized the need for a comprehensive halt to attacks across all Lebanese territory and respect for national sovereignty, and Hezbollah has said that any continued Israeli presence would give the Lebanese people and the state the right to resist "occupation."
Across the country, reactions to the ceasefire reflect a mix of relief and caution.
"People need to express something after all this pressure," said Rami Khoury, a Beirut-based university student. "But at the same time, it doesn't mean the situation is stable."
In southern Lebanon, where Israeli strikes hit multiple areas shortly before the ceasefire, the mood is particularly tense.
"We don't know if it's really over," said Ali Mahmoud, who fled his village weeks ago. "The strikes continued until the last minutes."
Despite warnings from Lebanese authorities and the Israeli military against returning to areas south of the Litani River, displaced civilians began traveling back to their villages shortly after the ceasefire took effect.
"We've been waiting for this moment," said Rasha Hashem, one returnee. "Even if everything is destroyed, we need to see it with our own eyes."
Huda Darwish, another resident, echoed the sentiment. "We've been away for too long. We just want to go back, even if it's not safe yet."
As the first day of the ceasefire unfolds, the situation remains delicate, with many Lebanese balancing brief moments of relief against concerns that the truce may not fully hold.
"For now, it's mixed," said Kamal Menassa, a Beirut shop owner. "There is calm in some places, but people are still on edge."
