Lebanese start returning south to their homes

The ceasefire announced by the US and France on Tuesday evening went into effect at 04:00 local time. If it holds, Israeli troops will withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah will move north of the Litani River. This war has been devastating for Lebanon. More than three thousand and five hundred people have been killed, one million displaced and large parts of the country now lie in ruins.

The Lebanese army says it is preparing to deploy to southern Lebanon, in accordance with the ceasefire deal.

(Pic: People walk past damaged buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect; Credit: Reuters