In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump called for restraint, saying, "I hope Hezbollah behaves properly during this important period. It would be a great moment for them if they do. Enough killing. Peace must finally prevail.” 

The remarks came hours after the truce formally began at midnight local time in Beirut.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, conditions on the ground remained unstable. Residents in Beirut reported celebratory gunfire shortly after midnight, with bursts echoing across densely populated districts. In contrast, field reports from southern Lebanon indicated intermittent Israeli strikes, suggesting that the ceasefire had not fully translated into calm across all areas.

The Israeli military issued a public warning to civilians in southern Lebanon, instructing them not to move south of the Litani River until further notice, citing the continued presence of its forces in the area. "Our units remain deployed and operational, and movement restrictions are in place for civilian safety,” an Israeli military spokesperson said during a televised briefing.

Speaking to Lamaane News Network, Beirut shopkeeper Mohamud Haddad described a cautious atmosphere among residents. "People are relieved the bombing has paused, but no one believes it is over,” he said. "We heard gunfire in celebration, but also news from the south that fighting has not completely stopped.”

A second resident, Lina Mansour, a teacher living in the city’s Hamra district, said the uncertainty has affected daily life. "Schools remain closed, and families are waiting to see if the situation stabilizes. There is hope, but also fear,” she told Lamaane News Network.

The conflict escalated on March 2, when Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel, describing the move as support for Iran following the reported killing of Ali Khamenei, according to regional accounts. Israel responded with an extensive military campaign targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across Lebanon, marking a significant escalation less than 15 months after their previous major confrontation.

Regional security analysts say the current ceasefire reflects a temporary pause rather than a lasting settlement. "This is a limited de-escalation designed to contain immediate violence,” said Rami Khoury, a Middle East analyst based in Amman. "The structural drivers of the conflict remain unresolved.”

The developments carry broader geopolitical implications, particularly concerning Iran’s influence and the risk of multi-front escalation. Diplomatic channels remain active, with international mediators working to extend the ceasefire and establish monitoring mechanisms.

For civilians in southern Lebanon, the coming days are expected to test whether the ceasefire can hold. Observers note that adherence to military warnings and restraint by armed groups will be critical in determining whether the temporary truce evolves into a more stable cessation of hostilities.