The United Nations has welcomed announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a statement, expressed hope that agreement can put an end to the violence between both countries.

The truce began Wednesday, bringing a fragile peace to Israel and Lebanon. Israeli troops are to withdraw in phases from southern Lebanon, and Lebanese military convoys headed south to protect the peace.

President Biden’s announcement Tuesday of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon marked a significant foreign policy achievement weeks before he leaves office. The halt in fighting provides desperately needed calm for Israeli and Lebanese civilians along the border — and a chance to return to abandoned communities — after nearly 14 months