The writer calls for shifting international pressure away from Israel and redirecting it toward Hamas and Hezbollah. (credit: ESA ALEXANDER/REUTERS)All of this bodes poorly for how well the Hamas deal will be enforced.

CAIRO (Reuters) - Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem congratulated Palestinians on Saturday over the Gaza ceasefire deal, saying in a speech that it proved the "persistence of resistance" against Israel. The remarks were the first in public by the leader of the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group since Israel and Hamas reached the accord on Wednesday.

This deal, which was unchanged from what was proposed in May 2024, proves the persistence of resistance groups,’ Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said

After 15 months of war, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday morning.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza reduces the risks to Israel's public finances and could improve its sovereign credit rating, the major credit rating agencies said on Tuesday.

Thousands of Palestinians burst into the streets across Gaza as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on Sunday, some in celebration, others to visit the graves of relatives, while many rushed back to see what remained of their homes.

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire appears to be holding as many Palestinians venture to where their homes once stood to dig in the rubble. CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer reports.

Even surrounded by death, Gaza surged back to life as the ceasefire came into effect. Street markets re-opened, buzzing with activity as about two million residents tried to return to their homes and pick up the pieces.