JERUSALEM/BEIRUT: After many hours of sirens in northern Israel mid-week, people felt an unusual calm later in the week as the ceasefire with Lebanon began.

The warning alerts in border areas have stopped. In Kiryat Shmona, people were out in malls and restaurants, but they were unsure if the 10-day ceasefire would last.

A resident named Asaf Oakil, who lives very close to the border, said he thinks the ceasefire is a mistake. His view is an indicator that some Israelis believe the fighting should continue until Hezbollah is defeated.

Another resident, frustrated after weeks of attacks, said Israel should hit back harder if fighting starts again. He added that if rockets continue, the entire area should be destroyed.

In Beirut, some families are starting to leave temporary camps, while others are still waiting and considering whether it is safe to return home.

A tricycle carrying mattresses moved through the camp, indicating that some people have begun leaving since the fragile ceasefire took effect.

Ali Balhas, from Siddiqeen in Tyre province, said their homes in the south have been destroyed. He said it is hard to trust Israel because its actions are unpredictable. He added that he has six children and cannot leave quickly, but will try to return home once it is safer. He also mentioned that many people had already arrived in al-Zahrani by midnight, and that his family plans to leave later.

Amira Ayyash, from Qaaqaiat al-Jisr in Nabatiyeh province, said she decided to wait before going home because it is unclear when attacks might happen. She said they are being cautious.

Tilak Pokharel, a spokesperson for the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL), said they have not seen any airstrikes since midnight. However, he said artillery shelling continued in some parts of southern Lebanon until 6 a.m., and Israeli aircraft were still flying in the area.

He also said Israeli forces are still moving around but have not withdrawn. They are staying in positions, including in Bint Jbeil, a village near the border where heavy fighting had taken place before the ceasefire.