Mass Returns to Southern Lebanon Amid Conflict Lull
Approximately 400,000 Lebanese who were uprooted by the ongoing war have returned to southern Lebanon, with more expected in the coming week, according to Social Affairs Minister Hanine El Sayed. The returns are encouraged by a lull in the four-month-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Displacement Figures and Shelter Numbers
Since March, around one million people have been forced to flee their homes. Large numbers remain in shelters or temporary housing because their homes are destroyed or uninhabitable, El Sayed said. Roughly 40 percent of those displaced have now returned to their towns and villages. The number of people staying in collective shelters has fallen sharply, to about 13,000 from 37,000.
Shelter Closures and Continued Aid
While some shelters will remain open for families who cannot return, aid programmes, including emergency cash support, will continue. The number of shelters has dropped from 692 at the height of the crisis to 479, with additional centres opened in Nabatieh for those wanting to stay near their home areas.
Gap Between Returnees and Those Still Displaced
El Sayed said the headline figures conceal a gap between those able to return and those still displaced. “These are families that are able to return to something, at least the basic minimum,” she told a wire service. “The fact that the others have not returned means they have a much harder situation.” Authorities expect further returns in the coming days and hope to better gauge how many families cannot go back at all.
Labor Protest in South Punjab
In a separate development, Suthra Punjab workers have lodged a protest demanding payment of their salaries. The demonstration highlights ongoing labor issues in the region.
