Lebanon says 400,000 displaced returned south amid reconstruction push

Return assessment in southern Lebanon

Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Haneen El Sayed stated on Saturday that approximately 400,000 displaced people have returned to their homes in southern Lebanon, noting that many others remain unable to go back due to widespread destruction and lack of access to their properties amid preparations for a broader reconstruction plan. El Sayed made the remarks during a visit to the southern city of Tyre, where she met with officials from the Union of Municipalities and the region's disaster management unit, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.

She described the ceasefire as fragile but acknowledged that southern Lebanon has begun witnessing the return of displaced residents seeking to rebuild their lives. The minister said the purpose of her visit was to assess the situation on the ground and hear about the challenges facing local communities.

Reconstruction challenges and funding appeal

El Sayed noted that the Lebanese state's financial capacity remains limited, adding that Beirut would appeal to the international community for funding to launch reconstruction projects and provide urgent assistance to affected families. She said the government is working on rental support for displaced families who are still unable to return.

Authorities are also studying mechanisms to help owners of lightly damaged homes by providing financial support for repairs, she added, noting that officials are exploring the possibility of supplying prefabricated housing units as a temporary solution for those whose homes were destroyed.

Casualties mount amid ongoing conflict

Since March 2, Israel has continued military attacks on Lebanon, killing 4,303 people and injuring 12,202 others, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. The attacks have forced more than 1 million people to flee their homes since the escalation began.