Lebanese displaced people returning home has begun, according to the United Nations, which said that more than 821,000 Lebanese had started heading back to their original areas by July 30 after a wave of displacement caused by the recent war.
Despite the return movement, more than 360,000 people remain displaced, while major damage to infrastructure in southern Lebanon continues to affect daily life, especially water and electricity services.
Gradual return despite ongoing damage
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 821,077 people had begun returning to their home areas by the end of July.
At the same time, more than 360,000 people are still displaced, including about 26,000 living in government shelters.
Basic services under strain
The UN said damage to water and electricity networks has had a major impact on access to water for more than 700,000 people in south Lebanon, the region that saw the largest share of displacement during the war.
Tensions continue despite ceasefire
Although a ceasefire remains in place between Lebanon and the Israeli side after the framework agreement was signed, the Israeli military continues to carry out occasional airstrikes and artillery shelling in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese reports also say that widespread demolitions and explosions have been carried out in border villages, making it harder for displaced residents to return.
Obstacles to full return
• Severe infrastructure damage
• Water and electricity shortages
• Ongoing field violations
• Difficult conditions for returnees
Seventh round of talks continues in Rome
At the same time, the seventh round of Lebanese-Israeli talks is continuing for a second day in Rome under US mediation.
The negotiations are focused on implementing the framework agreement signed on June 26.
Three parallel tracks in the talks
Lebanese sources said the second day of talks was split into three parallel tracks:
1. Political track
The sides discussed the identity of a third party that would verify the Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese army. Several countries are said to have expressed readiness to take on the role.
2. Military track
The talks covered model areas and the operational mechanism in the current experimental zone in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in south Lebanon, including the possibility of expanding the area to complete the Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment.
The villages of Al-Khiam and Bint Jbeil were also proposed as future model areas.
3. Border track
The Lebanese delegation presented documents supporting Beirut’s position on borders, beginning with the armistice line, then the Blue Line, and finally the current field reality.
Lebanon calls for an end to violations
The Lebanese side stressed the need to renew the ceasefire and stop Israeli violations of Lebanese land and airspace.
Beirut says this is part of a broader effort to secure a gradual withdrawal from occupied areas and allow the Lebanese army to deploy along the border.
Key points
– 821,077 displaced Lebanese have begun returning home
– More than 360,000 people remain displaced
– About 26,000 are in government shelters
– Water and electricity systems in south Lebanon remain badly damaged
– Talks in Rome continue over the framework agreement
Conclusion
The return of Lebanese displaced people signals partial progress after the war, but it also highlights the scale of the humanitarian and infrastructure challenges that remain. Between large-scale returns, ongoing displacement, and persistent damage, the Lebanese file remains tied to both field developments and diplomatic talks.
