As displaced residents are gradually returning to the south-eastern Lebanese village of Khiam – following withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with UNIFIL support – UNIFIL peacekeepers recently supported the returnees with essential winter supplies.

On 27 December, the mufti of Khiam, Abed Husein Al Abdallah, received on behalf of the people of the area packages of clothes and food from the UNIFIL Sector East Commander, Brig. Gen. Fernando Ruiz Gómez.

The supplies will benefit about 1,000 people.

While expressing gratitude for the support, Mr. Abdallah said the people need more support in the days ahead.

Following the cessation of hostilities agreement of 27 November, Khiam was the first example of Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment with UNIFIL support.

UNIFIL has strongly urged accelerated progress in the IDF’s withdrawal from and the LAF’s deployment all over south Lebanon.