Lebanons Displaced Start Returning Home Amid Limited Housing Options

Thousands of Lebanese Return Home Amid Widespread Destruction

Beirut, Lebanon - The number of blue tents near Beirut’s waterfront has dwindled to a few dozen, a stark contrast to the hundreds that once sheltered displaced individuals in recent months. As the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States takes effect, thousands of Lebanese have begun returning to their homes in areas primarily affected by Israeli strikes.

A mother from Nabi Chit, a village in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, walked towards a neighbor’s tent to fill up a bottle of water. The family had fled their home due to a battle between Israeli troops and local residents that killed over 40 people in March. They initially sought shelter in Beirut’s southern suburbs before moving to the waterfront.

The mother stated that many people have left the camp in recent days, with those remaining mostly having nowhere to go. Her home was destroyed, and she did not want to be a burden on others by staying in their houses.

Since March 2, Israel has launched military operations in Lebanon, resulting in at least 4,247 deaths and over 12,000 injuries. The conflict has displaced more than 1.2 million people, with many seeking refuge in schools and other makeshift shelters.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States on June 17, as well as the framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon on Friday, has led to a decrease in displaced individuals at camps. However, some have been left behind due to destroyed homes or lack of resources.

Ali Saleh, 55, from Jwaya in southern Lebanon, was forced to stay in Beirut after his house was destroyed. Rami Mustafa, who had been renting a house in Choueifat, also relocated to the waterfront with his family due to the war’s impact on his income.

Some displaced individuals have chosen to leave their displacement areas, even if they cannot return to their towns and villages in southern Lebanon. Hussein, a father from Qlaileh, was displaced at a school in Tyre for most of the war. He recently visited his home and found it destroyed, prompting him to salvage what he could.

The current situation remains fluid, with some areas experiencing reduced Israeli attacks, while others continue to see frequent violence.

Source: Al Jazeera