Lebanon woke up to a moment of respite as a U.S.-brokered ceasefire ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah. Celebratory gunfire replaced the sound of airstrikes, allowing thousands of displaced people to return to their towns and villages in southern and eastern Lebanon. However, the aftermath of the war presents daunting challenges.
Town after town in the south and east, along with parts of Beirut, lay in ruins. The World Bank estimates losses at $8.5 billion. The ceasefire raises questions about rebuilding costs, the removal of Hezbollah fighters and arsenals from the south, and Israel's acceptance of the ceasefire terms.
