The United Nations reported that more than 11,000 residential buildings in southern Lebanon have been completely destroyed in recent clashes, leaving many families without homes to return to. UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York that an assessment found another 2,200 buildings partially damaged. He said the widespread destruction, ongoing uncertainty, and the presence of unexploded ordnance are major obstacles to safe and sustainable returns.

Despite the devastation, many people are returning to southern Lebanon. According to UN data, about 19,000 people left shelters in a single night to go back to their areas, reducing the number of displaced people in shelters to around 90,000. The UN added that restoring normal life in the affected areas remains a major challenge due to destroyed infrastructure, security risks, and the lack of essential services.

The report underscores the scale of humanitarian and reconstruction challenges facing southern Lebanon following the recent conflict.