More than 800,000 return home after Lebanon's civil war ends

More than 800,000 people have returned home in Lebanon following the de-escalation of hostilities after a war between Israel and the Shia militant group Hezbollah. The United Nations announced this figure, citing data from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). According to reports, over 821,077 individuals had begun returning to their homes by July 30, with approximately 360,000 still displaced. Of these, around 26,000 were housed in public shelters, according to the French news agency AFP. The OCHA also noted that damage to infrastructure caused by attacks has disrupted access to water and electricity for more than 700,000 people in southern Lebanon, where most of the displaced reside. This disruption continues to pose challenges for communities trying to rebuild and resume normal life. A new round of talks aimed at ending the conflict in Lebanon and the broader Middle East began in Rome on Tuesday, mediated by the United States. These discussions follow June negotiations in Washington, during which Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement outlining a framework for resolution. The deal includes provisions for the disarmament of Hezbollah, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of Lebanese military forces to the area. Hezbollah escalated tensions in March by launching rocket attacks on Israel in support of Iran, drawing Lebanon into regional conflicts. In response, Israel conducted intense air strikes and launched a ground invasion, resulting in over 4,300 deaths and more than one million displacements. The violence led to widespread destruction, particularly in southern villages, leaving many families homeless and communities fractured. Hostilities in Lebanon have somewhat eased since the agreement between Lebanon and Israel and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran regarding the end of the war in the region. However, Lebanon continues to report occasional Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire, along with explosions and the destruction of buildings in villages along the border. These incidents suggest that while large-scale fighting has subsided, sporadic violence persists, complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace. The return of displaced persons marks a critical step toward recovery, yet the scale of destruction and ongoing security concerns remain daunting. Many families are hesitant to fully settle back into their former homes due to fears of further attacks or instability. Local authorities and humanitarian organizations are working to provide essential services, including shelter, food, and medical care, but resources remain strained. International actors, including the United Nations and neighboring countries, continue to monitor the situation closely. The upcoming talks in Rome represent a renewed effort to address the root causes of the conflict and establish sustainable peace. Success will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and implement agreed-upon measures. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians as they begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.