World News in Brief: Risky return home in Lebanon, displacement in Gaza, emergency funding for Somalia
Few concrete details have emerged about the deal to end the conflict that erupted at the end of February, with impacts across the Middle East
Few concrete details have emerged about the deal to end the conflict that erupted at the end of February, with impacts across the Middle East, Gulf region and beyond. The UN Interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported on Monday that it observed a decrease in violence and exchanges of fire in the south, where Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants have been fighting since the early days of the crisis. Stay in place On the humanitarian front, OCHA said some families have reportedly started to head back to their homes or are assessing the conditions in communities in parts of southern Lebanon, particularly around Nabatieh. “However, no large-scale returns have taken place, and people should not return until it is safe to do so,” it added. Meanwhile, local authorities report that occupancy rates in collective shelters remain high as many displaced families are awaiting greater clarity on the security situation before making decisions about returning home.
The Lebanese Armed Forces and some local authorities have reportedly urged residents not to return to high-risk areas now. In the interim, the UN continues to call for the protection of civilians, safe and voluntary returns and sustained humanitarian access for all who need it. New displacement in Gaza as insecurity worsens conditions Renewed insecurity across Gaza displaced more families over the weekend and added pressure to an already strained humanitarian response, according to OCHA, the UN relief coordination office. On Friday, an airstrike hit the yard of a UN school in a Jabalia camp sheltering displaced families, causing minor damage. The same day, dozens of families in eastern Gaza City fled after Israeli troops expanded the so-called “Yellow Line” westward using yellow cement blocks. Introduced in October 2025, the line marks restricted-access areas controlled by Israeli forces and has expanded several times since. UN human rights staff warn that Palestinians have reportedly been killed for approaching too close.
People remaining nearby told humanitarian teams that worsening insecurity is increasing pressure to move again. Many newly displaced families reportedly left without tents or belongings and are now sheltering with relatives or friends. Joint response To support those affected, humanitarian partners activated a joint UN response mechanism designed to provide rapid assistance following sudden displacement. Meanwhile, aid delivery remains constrained. OCHA reported that the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing continues to be the only entry point for approved supplies. Restrictions also remain on key items including power generators and spare parts, although recent negotiations led to the approval of some additional supplies, including equipment needed to improve malnutrition screening. Somalia receives emergency funding as famine risk grows Tweet URL The UN has released $10 million in emergency funding to help avert worsening hunger and reduce the risk of famine in Somalia, where drought, conflict and rising prices continue to deepen humanitarian needs.
The BriefWire