Lebanon – More than 430,000 people are still displaced, and several factors hinder safe return

In the daily press conference, United Nations Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said that since the announcement of the last ceasefire, 50 collective shelter centers have been closed in the South Governorate, while 45 centers are still open and hosting about 7,000 people.

He added that new shelter centers have been established in Tire district for families who move to be closer to their communities, but are unable to return because their homes are damaged or destroyed.

He warned that several factors – including insecurity, damage to homes and infrastructure, the presence of unexploded ordnance, and limited access to basic services – hinder safe and sustainable returns.

He stressed the need for all returns to be safe, voluntary and carried out with dignity, calling for ensuring continuous access of humanitarian aid and protecting civilians, including humanitarian workers and health personnel.

Haq reported that since the start of the escalation, United Nations partners have provided protection services to more than 330,000 people, including assistance in the field of child protection and support for male and female survivors of gender-based violence.

He recalled that the revised urgent humanitarian appeal for Lebanon, worth $640 million, was only 43% funded, which limits the scope of the response at a time when humanitarian needs remain high.