UN says conflict hinders return of refugees in Lebanon

The United Nations has reported that residents continue to return to their hometowns in Lebanon, but at a slower pace in recent days due to ongoing fighting. Although the intensity of the conflict has decreased, the situation continues to impact civilians and hamper recovery efforts, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

More than 741,000 people have returned to their areas of origin since the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in early March. However, over 412,000 people remain displaced across the country, including around 30,000 still living in collective shelters, OCHA stated.

OCHA warned that humanitarian needs in Lebanon remain critically high. “Many displaced families who have returned are still experiencing financial strain as they face home damage, rental costs, transportation expenses, utility bills, and loss of livelihoods,” OCHA said.

The UN and its humanitarian partners are working to support communities in need as much as possible, the office added. Since the escalation of the conflict, nearly 840,000 people have received emergency cash assistance at least once.

OCHA continues to call for the protection of civilians and sustained humanitarian aid to meet the needs of those still affected by the conflict. As of Friday, less than half of the 640 million US dollars required through the emergency appeal had been raised.