Lebanese citizens on Wednesday morning returned to their homes near the Lebanon-Israel border, following a ceasefire agreement between the two countries' governments, although the agreement precludes their returning for two weeks. Footage also showed Lebanese walking freely in southern Lebanon and moving between IDF tanks, stationed to ensure Hezbollah does not return to the border area. Residents of Ayta ash Shab were filmed taking down the Israeli flag which had been hung on the local water tower. Though Lebanese are returning home, Israelis evacuated from northern Israel do not feel that it is safe to return home, and are not expected to do so in the near future. Early on Wednesday morning , Hezbollah terrorists neared the Lebanese village of Kfarkela, which overlooks the northern Israeli town of Metula. Spotting the terrorists, the Israeli forces fired warning shots. Related articles: 'Egyptian ceasefire proposal is not acceptable' Release of 8 hostages in exchange for 70-day ceasefire Securing the release of the hostages 11 living hostages freed on day 1, 40 days of ceasefire The ceasefire took effect at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning , and stipulates that Hezbollah and all other armed groups in Lebanon will not carry out any offensive action against Israel, and in return Israel will not carry out any offensive military action against targets in Lebanon, including by land, air and sea. In addition, Israel and Lebanon will recognize the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, even though, "these obligations do not negate Israel’s or Lebanon’s inherent right to self-defense," the agreement stated. Under the agreement, Israel will gradually withdraw its forces to south of the Blue Line over a period of up to 60 days. The United States will simultaneously promote indirect negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in order to reach a recognized land border.
