DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding on Wednesday after a rocky start, giving rise to cautious hope for longer-term peace even as Tehran insisted it will not give up its nuclear program.

Relieved Israelis returned to work and school on Wednesday after the military lifted restrictions following a ceasefire with Iran, while some voiced lingering apprehension about the future. The Israeli government declined to comment on any new ceasefire talks beyond saying that efforts to return Israeli hostages in Gaza were ongoing "on the battlefield and via negotiations".

The head of the Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday that “the campaign against Iran is not over” as a ceasefire between the two countries went into effect. President Donald Trump also vowed that Israel will not attack Iran and told Israel to bring its pilots home.