Lebanon: More than 850,000 displaced Lebanese return to areas of origin but crisis remains far from over

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. 18 August 2026 GENEVA – While the majority of people displaced by months of airstrikes and insecurity in Lebanon have returned to their areas of origin, many are faced with damaged homes, widespread destruction and a lack of essential services, with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warning that the displacement and humanitarian crisis is far from over. Despite declared ceasefire arrangements, fresh Israeli airstrikes in south Lebanon over the weekend triggered a new wave of displacement, with hundreds of families fleeing northward in search of safety. These movements add to an already protracted displacement crisis, increasing uncertainty for communities attempting to make their way home. Around 860,000 people are reported to have returned to their areas of origin, while some 360,000 people remain displaced, including at least 22,000 people living in collective shelters. Others report living with relatives or in overcrowded rented apartments. The security situation in Lebanon remains fragile, and the humanitarian needs of hundreds of thousands of people remain immense. While the intensity of hostilities has decreased, airstrikes continue to put many lives at risk. Movement restrictions, military activity and risks related to explosive remnants of war continue to affect large parts of southern Lebanon and the Bekaa, posing threats to safety and preventing sustainable solutions for conflict-affected communities. There were more than 1 million people displaced inside Lebanon during the peak of the conflict. Many families remain unable to return to their homes due to extensive debris, insecurity, lack of access to their communities, and widespread damage to infrastructure, resulting in strained or non-functioning health, water and electricity services. For many households, return means relocating as close as possible to their towns and villages and remaining displaced there, rather than finding a lasting solution. Families continue to rely on rented accommodation, hosting arrangements, and temporary or collective shelters while awaiting debris clearance, home repairs, restoration of services, and improved security conditions. Many undertake repeated "go-and-see" visits before deciding whether return is safe or feasible, while others continue to move between areas of displacement and origin. As a result, the distinction between those who have returned and those who remain displaced has become increasingly blurred. The approaching school year is creating additional pressure as collective shelters, mostly hosted in public schools, are progressively being consolidated. Municipalities in conflict-affected areas continue to call for temporary housing solutions to prevent renewed displacement and enable families to remain close to their communities. Humanitarian needs remain substantial. Widespread damage to housing, water systems, electricity networks, schools, health facilities, agricultural land, and community infrastructure continues to constrain prospects for recovery and safe and sustainable returns. More than 700,000 people are reportedly affected by damage to water infrastructure in parts of southern Lebanon, underscoring that return does not mark the end of humanitarian needs. The Government of Lebanon has developed a National Framework for Return, Early Recovery and the Restoration of Essential Services, including activities for unexploded ordnance and debris removal, infrastructure repair, housing rehabilitation and reconstruction. At the same time, the Government – with support from humanitarian actors like UNHCR - continue to provide protection services, shelter assistance, financial support, psychosocial counselling, and case management to affected populations. Overall, Lebanon is not yet in a post-crisis phase but continues to face a complex displacement situation and ongoing protection risks. Displaced families long to return as soon as possible, and sustained humanitarian assistance, early recovery support, debris clearance, reconstruction efforts, and improved security are essential to enable sustainable solutions for affected populations. Humanitarian agencies are also facing severe resource shortages, limiting their ability to assist displaced people and those attempting to return. The revised Lebanon inter-agency Flash Appeal of $639.9 million is only 48 per cent funded. The inter-agency appeal includes some $94.2 million for UNHCR relief efforts. Overall, UNHCR's Lebanon operation is only 24 per cent funded against total requirements of US$472.3 million for 2026. Without sustained support, displaced families, returnees and affected communities will continue to face significant challenges in rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, rehabilitating infrastructure and achieving sustainable recovery. For more information, please contact: