Aid agencies continue relief efforts as thousands remain displaced across southern Lebanon
Around 40 percent of the more than one million people displaced by Israeli military operations in Lebanon have returned to their home areas, according to the United Nations.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, citing figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said on Wednesday that the returns represent an important step toward recovery. However, he stressed that hundreds of thousands of people remain displaced and continue to depend on humanitarian assistance.
Dujarric reiterated that all returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified. He added that returning families should have uninterrupted access to humanitarian aid and essential services to rebuild their lives.
Humanitarian assistance continues in southern Lebanon
The UN also highlighted ongoing relief operations in southern Lebanon, where humanitarian agencies continue delivering assistance to communities affected by months of conflict.
According to Dujarric, the World Food Programme (WFP), together with its partners, delivered urgently needed food and relief supplies to several hard-to-reach areas on Tuesday. He emphasized that humanitarian organizations require unrestricted access to all affected communities to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
The UN called on all parties to facilitate humanitarian operations and guarantee safe access for relief workers across conflict-affected regions.
Conflict continues to impact civilians
Israel launched its latest military campaign in Lebanon in early March and has maintained a military presence despite a ceasefire and a US-mediated framework agreement intended to reduce hostilities and facilitate withdrawals.
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, the conflict has killed more than 4,240 people, injured over 12,190 others and displaced more than one million residents since March 2.
Humanitarian organizations continue to warn that many returning families face damaged infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, shortages of essential supplies and significant reconstruction needs. The UN has urged sustained international support to address the humanitarian crisis while encouraging efforts to preserve the ceasefire, protect civilians and create conditions for the safe and lasting return of all displaced people across Lebanon.
