400,000 Lebanese Head Home as Border Tensions Recede

Around 400,000 Lebanese who were displaced during the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah have returned to southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese government.

Minister Hanine Sayed said the return has been made possible by the recent reduction in hostilities, with more residents expected to return in the coming days.

Since March, around one million people have been displaced and many remain unable to return because their homes have been destroyed or are no longer habitable.

About 13,000 people are still living in collective shelters, a significant decline from the peak of the crisis. The government said it will continue to provide financial assistance, housing support and employment programs for those affected.

Reconstruction is expected to cost billions of dollars, a burden that exceeds the government's current financial resources. During the conflict, around 90,000 homes were completely or partially damaged or destroyed.

(Reuters, mja)