A ceasefire proposal agreed to by Lebanon and Israel stipulates that only Lebanon’s “official military and security forces” are authorized to bear arms there, according to a copy of the transaction dated Tuesday and seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

The proposal refers to both sides’ commitment to fully implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, including provisions that refer to “the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon.”

Long-displaced residents of southern Lebanon began returning to their homes amid celebrations hours after a cease-fire between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group took effect early Wednesday.

The ceasefire brought relief to the tiny Mediterranean nation after days of some of the heaviest airstrikes and clashes since the start of the war, although many questioned whether the cease-fire agreement would hold.

Israel has said it will attack if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire.

Hundreds of cars made their way into southern Lebanon, defying the Israeli army’s warning to stay away from previously evacuated areas.

At least 42 people were killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon on Tuesday, according to local authorities. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel, setting off air raid sirens in the north of the country.

The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire marks the first major step towards ending the regional unrest sparked by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, but does not address the devastating war in Gaza.