Beirut, 29 April 2025 – What I saw in South Lebanon was both depressing and inspiring. The scale of destruction—to villages, health facilities, and water systems—is disturbing.
But the people I met were truly inspiring. It’s clear they want to return home, rebuild, and restart their productive lives.
Everyone continues to feel a palpable sense of insecurity. Many still lack basics like water and electricity. Too many are still displaced, their homes flattened.
People spoke of their need for peace, safe movement, basic services, and support to rebuild.
They also shared the trauma they and their children have endured, and the importance of addressing mental health in the wake of what they have lived through.
Sustained funding is critical to restore water, electricity, health care, and education, and to assist people eager to move ahead on the road to recovery and stability.
There is no time to lose — recovery must move ahead.