Israel’s military said the cease-fire in Lebanon had taken effect Wednesday morning, raising hopes of a period of calm after two months of intense aerial bombardments and ground operations aimed at silencing months of Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel.

A ceasefire deal that went into effect on Wednesday could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, raising hopes and renewing difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict.

STORY: A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah has taken effect as part of a deal proposed by the U.S. to end more than a year of hostilities.The conflict ignited by the Gaza war last year has wreaked havoc on both sides.