BEIRUT, Sept 27 (Reuters) – The Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah announced on Sunday that it would soon participate in an initiative designed to shelter thousands of individuals displaced by the ongoing conflict with Israel.
This declaration was delivered by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem during a commemorative address marking the second anniversary of the 2024 assassination of leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel.
“The organization remains dedicated to offering shelter, restoration, and reconstruction utilizing available resources and donations. Specific details regarding a new housing initiative for residents of completely devastated villages will be released shortly,” Qassem stated.
Qassem emphasized that the Lebanese government bears the primary obligation to provide shelter and compensation to the displaced population.
“It remains their responsibility to honor their commitments regarding shelter, compensation, and all duties associated with reconstruction and restoration,” he added.
Over one million individuals, constituting nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s population, were forced from their homes after hostilities erupted between the Israeli military and Hezbollah in early March.
While the majority have returned to their residences, over 340,000 remain displaced, as their hometowns have been destroyed or fall within zones currently occupied by Israeli forces.
Since March 2, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of more than 4,300 people in Lebanon, including over 250 children, and have injured an additional 12,000 individuals, among them 1,000 children.
(Reporting by Laila Bassam; Editing by Jan Harvey)
Also Read
- Serbia’s President Vucic Steps Down to Launch Prime Ministerial Candidacy for October Elections
- Trump Anticipates Renewed Iran Negotiations After Rejecting Tehran’s Truce Proposal
- Andy Burnham Unveils NHS-Style Social Care Plan Ahead of Next Election
- Lake Kivu Ferry Disaster Claims 12 Lives; Dozens Still Missing in Eastern DRC