France, June 4 -- Months of fighting have devastated parts of southern Lebanon. Around 60 neighbourhoods have been completely destroyed, and Israel has established a de facto buffer zone covering 600 square kilometres of Lebanese territory.

Israel and Lebanon agreed on Wednesday to implement a new US-brokered ceasefire following talks in Washington. But Hezbollah, which was not part of the negotiations, rejected the deal, and Israeli officials said military operations would continue despite the agreement.

Yet the destruction has not united the country - instead deepening old rifts and reviving a debate many thought Lebanon had left behind.

Lebanon's divisions often follow sectarian lines. Supporters of Hezbollah describe its fight agai...