Aoun struck a defiant tone, condemning Hezbollah’s rocket attacks into northern Israel that triggered the latest conflict, while also criticizing Iran for backing and arming the group. He described both as violations of Lebanese sovereignty and reiterated his commitment to disarm non-state actors operating within the country.

“There will be no concessions to any principle, no infringement of the sovereignty of this country,” Aoun said, adding that Lebanon would base its decisions on national consensus rather than external influence.

The president also responded directly to Hezbollah’s criticism of Beirut’s decision to engage in direct talks with Israel, rejecting claims that Lebanon lacked leverage and asserting the government’s authority to pursue its own diplomatic path.

At the same time, Aoun called on Israel to halt attacks, withdraw its forces, release detainees and facilitate the return of displaced civilians. The 10-day ceasefire, brokered by the United States, has largely held after more than a month of hostilities, though Hezbollah is not formally part of the agreement.

Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah was not yet complete, while the group indicated its response would depend on developments on the ground, underscoring the fragility of the truce.

The conflict displaced more than one million people across Lebanon, with thousands of families now beginning to return to their homes as conditions stabilize. Roads leading to southern regions have been congested with vehicles carrying belongings salvaged during the fighting.

Aoun framed the moment as a turning point for Lebanon, emphasizing the need to rebuild and avoid further escalation after a conflict that has strained the country’s political and social fabric.

The truce, which began at midnight local time, marks a significant step in diplomatic efforts linked to a broader regional de-escalation involving tensions between the United States and . However, the Lebanese military said Israeli actions in the south constituted breaches of the ceasefire and urged residents to delay their return.

Despite the warnings, convoys of civilians were seen heading south toward their homes, with traffic building along coastal routes and damaged infrastructure, including bridges hit during recent hostilities. Residents cited strong attachment to their homes as a driving force behind their return.

International reactions to the truce were broadly supportive. The Kremlin welcomed the agreement, expressing hope it would prevent renewed clashes, while called for its continuation and urged both sides to uphold their commitments. also endorsed the ceasefire, describing it as a step toward lasting peace, while Iran’s foreign ministry framed it as part of a wider understanding tied to regional de-escalation.

The conflict in Lebanon intensified in early March when launched rocket attacks toward Israel, triggering a series of Israeli strikes. Fighting continued until shortly before the truce took effect, with casualties reported on both sides.

Under the ceasefire framework, mediated with US involvement, Israel retains the right to act against perceived imminent threats, while Lebanon is expected, with international support, to prevent Hezbollah from carrying out attacks. Israeli Prime Minister said the agreement could open the door to a broader peace arrangement but reiterated that disarmament of Hezbollah remains a key condition.

US President said he had spoken with both Israeli and Lebanese leaders ahead of the truce and suggested the possibility of high-level talks in Washington in the coming days, a development that could mark a significant diplomatic milestone if realised.

The ceasefire remains fragile, with both sides maintaining heightened alert levels as the situation on the ground continues to evolve.