War stops in Lebanon, ceasefire comes into effect

A UN-brokered ceasefire to end the month-long war between Israel and Hizbollah guerrillas went into effect at 0500 GMT on Monday, and Lebanese security sources said the guns had fallen silent across southern Lebanon.

The truce is the first step in a process that includes the deployment of a 15,000-strong United Nations force in southern Lebanon to help ensure peace after a war that has claimed around 1,100 lives in Lebanon and 154 in Israel.

Two hours before a cease-fire went into effect, the Israeli military dropped leaflets on central Beirut today warning it will retaliate for any attack launched against it from Lebanon.

Addressed to Lebanese citizens, one leaflet said Hezbollah serves the interests of its Iranian and Syrian patrons and has "brought destruction, displacement and death."

"Will you be able to pay this price again?" it said.

"The Israeli Defense Forces will return and act with the required force against any terrorist act that is launched from Lebanon against the state of Israel," it said.