UNITED NATIONS, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Following news of a U.S.-Iran deal, displaced people began returning to their homes in southern Lebanon despite challenges, UN humanitarians said Tuesday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said some families are cautiously returning to their communities of origin following Sunday's announcement of an agreement between the United States and Iran, which reportedly includes the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.
According to Lebanese authorities, the number of displaced people hosted in collective shelters has decreased by about 10,000 people over the past four days. In South governorate, about 2,700 people reportedly left collective shelters on Monday, OCHA said.
However, the office said it remains unclear whether these movements represent temporary visits to inspect their property or permanent returns.
OCHA said that violent incidents in southern Lebanon continue to be reported, affecting people's ability to move safely.
Israeli authorities have said their forces will maintain an indefinite military presence in the area they hold in southern Lebanon despite the U.S.-Iran deal.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon peacekeeping mission on Monday said that it observed a decrease in violence and exchanges of fire in the south of the country. ■
