Between 27 July and 4 September 2026, Imran Riza, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, held five consultations with local authorities in southern Lebanon. More than 40 mayors and five heads of unions of municipalities participated in these meetings. Imran Riza stated, "The purpose of going to the communities was to listen directly, understand what they need, see what can be done immediately in collaboration with the Government and bring the right partners together around those priorities." He added, "The value is not in documenting needs alone, but in connecting locally identified priorities with the actors who can help address them. We can’t talk about recovery when communities don’t have access to water." Imran Riza noted that small, quick interventions like fuel or repairs are vital.
Displacement and Return Realities
In Zawtar Al-Gharbiyeh, approximately 90 of the village's 500 families have returned to their homes. Meanwhile, 6,500 displaced families remain unable to return to 12 villages situated inside the Israeli forces-declared military zone in Jabal Amel. The instability facing those still displaced continues to cause significant anxiety for local leadership. Kfar Tebnit Mayor stated, "Families living in shelters are being told every day that they may have to leave the next day. Where are they supposed to go? Onto the streets? People are struggling to pay rent. I do not know how much longer they can continue." These housing pressures persist as residents remain barred from returning to their properties within the designated military sector.
Infrastructure and Service Challenges
Educational facilities in the Jabal Amel area face significant physical destruction. Assessments indicate that 19 of 25 schools in the region were destroyed or severely damaged. The loss of these facilities complicates efforts for families attempting to return to their communities.
Humanitarian agencies also face operational difficulties when attempting to provide aid to affected populations. During August 2026, humanitarian access notifications for hard-to-reach areas saw negative responses reach 60 per cent. These denials prevent the delivery of essential supplies and services to residents in need.
Agricultural production, a primary source of income for many families, has sustained extensive damage. Local representatives in Baraachite estimated that 80 to 90 per cent of the agricultural sector had been affected by the conflict. The destruction of crops and farming infrastructure creates long-term financial uncertainty for the local population.
