Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants began a ceasefire Wednesday in a major step toward ending nearly 14 months of fighting as a region on edge wondered whether it will hold.

Israel will gradually withdraw its forces over 60 days as Lebanon's army takes control of territory near its border with Israel to ensure that Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure there.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect Wednesday morning in Lebanon. As part of the deal, brokered by the United States, Israel will gradually withdraw its forces from Lebanon over the next 60 days and Hezbollah would not entrench itself near the Israeli border.