Displaced Lebanese Return Home as Conflict Eases

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Nearly 400,000 displaced Lebanese returned to their houses in southern Lebanon as violence between Israel and Hezbollah has eased, but many more thousands are still unable to return because their homes have been destroyed or are no longer safe to live in.

Hanine El Sayed, Lebanon's Social Affairs Minister, estimated that around one million people were displaced during the four months span of violence that began in March. So far, almost 40% of people forced to flee have returned to their cities and villages, with a greater probability in the coming days.

At the peak of the conflict, there were roughly 37,000 people living in collective shelters, but today, there are only about 13,000. However, authorities will continue to run emergency financial aid and rental support programs, as well as shelters for families without a place to go.

Many returning residents discover devastated neighbourhoods, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to essential services such as electricity and water. Despite the relative peace, thousands of residents are reportedly stranded after over 90,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.

In order to lessen hostilities and allow for a phased military withdrawal in some areas of southern Lebanon, the United States has established a framework for the gradual return of civilians. Officials said identifying all aspects of relocation and reconstruction needs remains a top concern, as humanitarian organisations continue to assist individuals who are still unable to return home.