UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric has warned that some 330,000 people remain displaced across Lebanon as renewed hostilities in the country’s south continue to take a heavy toll on civilians, according to Anadolu Agency.

Briefing reporters in New York, Dujarric says around 820,000 people returned to their communities over the past few months, including nearly 90 per cent of those displaced in the South Governorate.

“However, some 330,000 people displaced across remained displaced across Lebanon,” he says, adding that humanitarian access remained a major challenge, particularly south of the Litani River.

“Access constraints are hampering humanitarian teams from reaching some of the communities and delaying assessments, monitoring the restoration of essential services, and the delivery of food assistance,” Dujarric says.

He stresses that “unimpeded access to people in need is essential” to sustain humanitarian aid and support recovery as families return to areas affected by insecurity, damaged infrastructure and limited services.