After the unclear cease fire of the Lebanese- Zionist entity conflict nearly 180,000 Lebanese citizens still find themselves incapable of returning to their homes. It is discouraging that as highlighted in the report that was prepared by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the future continues to be grim for Lebanon after a long war that devastated the country.
The OCHA report details the situation from December 6 to 12 showing a nation that is trying to find its footing. On the positive side, it acknowledges that more than 900000 Lebanese have returned to their residences but 178,817 people are still displaced due to the conflict. These numbers are not just numbers of people, but it is families and communities shattered and citizens’ lives changed for the worse.
Superimposing on this humanitarian crisis is the fact that about 55,000 people crossed back to Syria after the announcement of the ceasefire. The return of the refugees comes as a blessing and a curse to a country that is still competing to balance the power of reconstruction and rebuilding confidence in the leadership of the nation.
The ceasefire that started on the 27th November put an end to more than one year of aggression by the Zionist entity. The conflict, which intensified in the last week of September, will not leave Lebanon’s geography and people’s memory untouched. The human cost of this aggression is staggering: 4,061 people killed, 16,656 people injured, and 1,391,000 people displaced. One of the crowning tragedies of warfare is the way it recklessly destroys women and children and among the expungished, the death of women and children has been particularly poignant as a sign of modern war’s brutal and inhumane inclination.
The obstacles Lebanon faces as it sets off on its difficult road to recovery are formidable. Returning displaced people is only the beginning of a protracted and intricate process. Rebuilding homes and livelihoods from the ground up is a hard challenge for many of the people who have returned. The future is still unclear for those who are unable to return, with worries about infrastructure, safety, and basic needs hanging over them.
Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis is still quite serious. Thousands of residents still face difficulties getting access to clean water, food, medical treatment, and housing. These problems have been made worse by the conflict’s destruction of essential infrastructure, which makes it extremely difficult for both local government and foreign relief agencies to provide basic services.
Furthermore, the psychological ramifications of the conflict cannot be disregarded (or underestimated). The trauma endured by individuals who experienced the hostilities—especially children—will necessitate long-term support and intervention. Healing and rebuilding community connections will be as essential as the physical reconstruction of homes and infrastructure. The international community’s involvement in facilitating Lebanon’s recovery efforts is crucial; however, while aid has been provided, the extent of the devastation demands sustained and significant assistance.
There exists a pressing requirement for not only immediate humanitarian aid, but also long-term investment in infrastructure, economic development and social services. As Lebanon traverses this challenging period, issues of accountability and justice also loom large. The devastating toll of the conflict has left many Lebanese citizens seeking answers and demanding redress for the losses they have incurred. The journey toward reconciliation and lasting peace will necessitate addressing these concerns in a meaningful (and equitable) manner.
Although the ceasefire has provided a much-needed respite from violence, the path to recovery for Lebanon remains lengthy (and) riddled with challenges. The plight of nearly 180,000 Lebanese who are still unable to return home serves as a poignant reminder of the conflict’s enduring impact. As (the) nation struggles to rebuild and heal, the international community’s continued support and attention will be crucial in ensuring that Lebanon can emerge from this crisis stronger—however, more resilient than before.
