**Lebanon on Brink of Truce as Israel Continues Bombardment**
The streets of Beirut were filled with people carrying bags and fleeing from the sound of explosions. This was the scene in Nuweiri, a central district of the city, after Israeli army warnings to evacuate were issued.
An earlier air strike had destroyed one building and killed at least 7 people. However, our attempt to visit the site was halted by men on motorbikes who told us it was not safe.
Explosions and gunfire filled the air as Israeli drones flew above. The escalation of violence came as Lebanon awaited a decision from Israel on a truce deal, hoped to end over a year’s conflict with Hezbollah.
**Hezbollah Facilities Targeted**
In two minutes, fighter jets struck 20 targets in Dahieh, a suburb where Hezbollah has its base. The Israel Defense Forces said the targets were Hezbollah facilities.
A ceasefire has been announced, but many questions remain. The war in Lebanon has been devastating, with over 3,700 people killed and one million residents displaced since October 2023.
**Recovery and Funding**
The World Bank estimates economic losses and damages at $8.5 billion. Recovery will take time, and it is unclear who will pay for it.
After the withdrawal of Israeli forces, thousands of Lebanese troops and Hezbollah fighters will be deployed in the south. However, the military has complained about lacking resources to fulfill their obligations.
**Hezbollah’s Future**
The group has been severely weakened, with many leaders killed and infrastructure damaged. It is unclear what will become of Hezbollah after the war.
Some see this as an opportunity to limit the influence of Hezbollah, which was once described as a “state inside a state” in Lebanon. Others worry that a new conflict could ensue.
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