The chance for an end to more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the release of about 100 hostages held by the militants is now “more likely” because of last week’s ceasefire reached by Israel with Hezbollah in Lebanon, a top U.S. national security official said Sunday.

Former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas predicted Saturday that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza is unlikely before President Biden departs the White House early next year.

The bursts of violence — with no reports of serious casualties — reflected the uneasy nature of the ceasefire that otherwise appeared to hold as Lebanese troops began to deploy in parts of southern Lebanon.

A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah appeared to be holding as residents returned toward southern Lebanon, despite warnings from the Israeli and Lebanese military that they stay away from certain areas.