Long-displaced residents of south Lebanon have started returning to their homes after a ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group took effect early Wednesday morning

A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants began early Wednesday morning, after Beirut residents endured the most intense day of Israeli strikes since the war began. Many wondered if the agreement to stop fighting would hold.

U.S. officials say they're optimistic about a ceasefire that would stop at least some of the fighting in the Middle East.