As the ceasefire took effect at 4 a.m., residents from southern Lebanon, including the suburbs of Beirut and the Bekaa Valley, began to return to their homes after enduring months of displacement. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported heavy traffic on the highway from Beirut to the south soon after the ceasefire was announced.
This development follows a period of intensified conflict that escalated in September, with exchanges of fire along the UN-patrolled Blue Line between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces resulting in significant civilian casualties and displacing over 886,000 people, as stated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
In response to the crisis, aid efforts are in full swing. UNHCR reported that their trucks have delivered vital emergency supplies to more than 3,100 individuals in Baalbek, including blankets, winter clothing, mattresses, and other essential items. They reaffirmed their commitment to working with local authorities to ensure displaced individuals have the resources they need to stay warm and safe through the winter months.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell echoed the optimism surrounding the ceasefire, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to sustain this peace. She highlighted the turmoil faced by countless non-combatants, especially children, who must be able to return to their communities in safety, and stressed the importance of maintaining access for humanitarian aid in southern Lebanon.
Additionally, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the ceasefire and highlighted the destructive impact the war has had on Lebanon’s healthcare infrastructure. UNICEF reported that over two million children have been unable to attend school due to the conflict, which has devastated homes and hospitals, depriving many of essential healthcare and services.
While peace efforts are underway in Lebanon, the situation in Gaza remains dire. The UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, reported ongoing bombardments, with some northern areas of Gaza besieged for over 50 days and access being severely restricted. Conditions in Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahia are alarming, with a critical shortage of medical supplies and personnel. Despite some aid being provided, the nutritional crisis is escalating, as evidenced by a significant rise in malnutrition cases among children.
The bleak reality in Gaza is further underscored by the closure of bakeries due to dire supply shortages, which has severely restricted access to food for families. Bread, often the only accessible food for many, is now becoming increasingly unattainable.
In summary, the ceasefire in Lebanon offers a glimmer of hope for displaced residents and underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. However, the ongoing crisis in Gaza highlights the continued struggles faced by civilians in the region. The international community must strive to support peace initiatives and provide necessary aid to the affected populations as they work towards recovery and stability.