Lebanon records 400,000 returning refugees as government drafts reconstruction plan

Lebanon’s Social Affairs Minister, Haneen El Sayed, has stated that around 400,000 previously displaced residents have returned to their areas in southern Lebanon, whilst many others remain unable to go home due to widespread destruction. The statement was made on Saturday during a visit to the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, where she met with officials from the Union of Tyre District Municipalities and the disaster management unit, according to the National News Agency. El Sayed noted that the ceasefire remains fragile, but southern Lebanon is beginning to witness the return of displaced citizens. She explained that the purpose of her visit was to assess conditions on the ground and listen to the various challenges facing local communities as part of preparations for a broader plan concerning repatriation, recovery, and reconstruction. The minister acknowledged that the Lebanese government’s financial capacity remains limited. Consequently, Beirut will submit a request for funding support to the international community to initiate reconstruction projects and provide urgent assistance to affected families. El Sayed also said the government is working on rental assistance for displaced families who are still unable to return to their homes. Additionally, the government is reviewing mechanisms to assist homeowners whose properties suffered minor damage through repair fund support, and is considering providing prefabricated housing units as a temporary solution.