The fragile cease-fires in Lebanon and Gaza were tested on Sunday. In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces killed scores of people, according to Lebanese officials. In Gaza, Israel prevented Palestinians from returning to their homes, citing Hamas' violation of the truce terms.

However, by the end of the day, both Israel and Hamas announced that understandings had been reached through mediators to resolve their dispute.

In Lebanon, the White House issued a statement indicating that the initial 60-day truce, which called for the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the southern part of the country by Sunday, would be extended until February 18.

Negotiators had hoped that the cease-fire in Lebanon, signed in November, would become permanent, securing a measure of calm in the turbulent region. Thousands of Lebanese displaced by the war have begun returning to their homes.