UN: 40 Per Cent of One Million Lebanese Refugees Have Returned Home

Istanbul (ANTARA) - UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has stated that around 40 per cent of the more than one million people displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks have returned to their areas of origin. During a press conference on Wednesday, Dujarric, citing officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said the development marks an important step towards recovery, although thousands remain displaced and continue to depend on humanitarian aid. “This marks an important step towards recovery, but thousands remain displaced and continue to depend on humanitarian aid,” Dujarric said. “We reiterate that returns must be safe, voluntary, and dignified, and that those returning must have access to the humanitarian assistance they need.” Dujarric also reported that the World Food Programme (WFP) and its partners delivered much-needed aid to hard-to-reach areas in southern Lebanon on Tuesday. “We continue to stress that humanitarian access must be granted to all those in need,” he added. Israel launched its latest offensive in Lebanon in early March and continues to refuse to withdraw its forces from the area, despite a ceasefire and a framework agreement mediated by the United States.