Nearly 1 million displaced people return home in Lebanon, UN says

Nearly 1 million people displaced within Lebanon have returned home, an increase of 13% since September, according to the latest UN data published by UN News. Around 304,500 people remain displaced outside their areas of origin.

A sharp escalation of hostilities beginning in March 2026 triggered mass displacement, extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, and disruption of basic services, the Lebanon Response Plan addendum says.

Damaged villages make returns difficult

Kandice Ardiel, spokesperson for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, said many villages have suffered extensive damage. She said much essential infrastructure, including electricity networks, water systems and roads, has been destroyed and needs rebuilding, making daily life difficult for returning residents.

Ardiel said she was seeing children return to school and farmers trying to harvest crops, particularly olives, as residents came back to difficult conditions.

Assistance planned through December

The Lebanon Response Plan addendum covers September to December 2026 and sets out assistance to complement the Lebanese government’s priorities for returns and restoring essential services. Planned measures include money for rent, minor shelter repairs and support for national and local systems.

Humanitarian and stabilization partners seek $385.88 million through the addendum to provide prioritized assistance to 732,125 people during that period.