UN: Israeli Military Operations Hamper Lebanon’s Recovery, Leaving 300,000 Displaced

In a statement released in New York City, the United Nations warned that the Israeli military’s continued presence and operations in southern Lebanon are hindering displaced families from safely returning home and rebuilding their lives, noting that the humanitarian crisis remains far from resolved.

Although close to 970,000 individuals have returned to southern Lebanon, over 300,000 people are still internally displaced, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, citing Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs data as of Wednesday.

Additional demolitions, fires and strikes by Israeli forces were reported throughout southern Lebanon this week, occurring both within the designated combat zone—where residents were ordered to evacuate—and in neighboring communities.

Many returnees have discovered damaged homes, struggling livelihoods and disrupted essential services, Dujarric noted.

In the Nabatieh governorate, insecurity and access restrictions have hampered the olive harvest, with some farmers collecting fruit for only two days before the Israeli army halted their work.

The Lebanon Humanitarian Fund has earmarked $91 million to assist displaced persons, returnees, refugees and other affected communities this year.

“Absent safety, access to essential services and livelihood opportunities, families cannot rebuild their lives,” Dujarric said, reaffirming the UN’s appeal for civilian protection, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the safe, dignified return of all displaced individuals to their homes.

The crisis erupted on March 2 when Hezbollah struck Israel in retaliation for joint US‑Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 28. Israel responded with airstrikes across Lebanon and launched ground operations in southern Lebanon on March 16, ultimately deploying five divisions of troops.

Israel and Lebanon agreed on April 16 to a ten‑day ceasefire, subsequently extended beyond its original duration, yet Israeli operations in the south have persisted.

At the conflict’s peak, over 1 million people were displaced. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on October 20 that Israel had created a 700 km² security zone within Lebanon, extending from the western coast to the southern slopes of Mount Hermon, and pledged to retain the area until Hezbollah is disarmed.

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