Journalism of Courage
Sounds of celebratory gunfire replaced the constant buzz of Israeli airstrikes and drones across Lebanon which is experiencing a fragile peace after the US-brokered Israel-Lebanon ceasefire came into effect. (AP)
The breakthrough came after weeks of intense negotiations that were touch-and-go until the very end. In picture: A charred building in Beirut's Dahiyeh neighborhood with a Hezbollah flag–a poignant symbol of the region's turmoil–draped over its balcony. (AP)
Thousands of displaced people have begun returning to their hometowns in southern and eastern Lebanon, as per news agency AP. In picture: A teacher inspects his school in Beirut that was damaged by an Israeli airstrike. (AP)
During the 60-day first phase of the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah and Israeli forces are to withdraw from south Lebanon. The Lebanese military is to step in. In picture: members of Hezbollah's al-Mahdi scout during the funeral of Hezbollah fighters and one of their comrades killed in fighting. (AP)
Entire border villages have been leveled to the ground and thousands of buildings damaged. In picture: A woman stands at a damaged dining hall that was hit by a rocket fired from Lebanon, in the Kibbutz Manara, northern Israel. (AP)
While the World Bank estimates losses to be about 8.5 billion dollars, the Lebanese troops are to ensure that Hezbollah dismantles its facilities and military positions, according to the deal. Women can be seen trying to salvage items from the rubble of a destroyed building in Beirut. (AP)
A Lebanese military official told AP that troops' deployment will be gradual into areas of the south, including those from which Israeli troops withdraw. In picture: mourners comfort each other during the funeral of Hezbollah fighters killed while fighting against the Israeli troops. (AP)
Critics of the deal fear the pressure is far greater on Lebanon, and Israel has more space to attack Hezbollah. In picture: A fisherman docks his boat in southern Lebanon where the ceasefire brought hope for normality. (AP)
Israel has vowed to attack again if it believes Hezbollah isn't abiding by its terms mentioned in the deal. In picture: Another fisherman in south Lebanon sorts out his catch for the day. (AP)
