Nearly half a million Lebanese remain displaced despite ceasefire, IOM says
More than 640,000 displaced Lebanese have returned to their homes since the ceasefire with Israel took effect on 21 June, while about 500,000 people remain displaced, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The agency said 646,107 people had returned from a total displacement of more than one million during the conflict.
Returns have accelerated in southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs following the ceasefire, but many residents of border communities remain unable to go back as Israeli forces continue to maintain positions inside a self-declared security zone and carry out strikes.
The figures come after Lebanon and Israel signed a US-backed framework agreement aimed at paving the way for a permanent ceasefire, including the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern areas.
However, the agreement does not set a timetable for Israel's withdrawal, linking it instead to the disarmament of Hezbollah, a condition the group has rejected.
The remains of a displaced family’s camp are seen along Beirut’s waterfront after authorities cleared unauthorised encampments across the capital, 1 July 2026 (AFP)