With displaced residents gradually returning to their homes in south Lebanon, UNIFIL peacekeepers from the Republic of Korea gave out a number of essential items to them in the town of Abbasiyeh, north of Tyre in south Lebanon, last week.
Among the items donated on 24 December were 40 boxes of baby products (milk powder and diapers), 200 bottles of detergent and 250 boxes of food items (rice and pasta). The donated packages also included hygiene and feminine kits.
In addition, Korean peacekeepers also donated solar-powered LED lights to the Abbasiyeh unit of the Lebanese Civil Defence.
The mayor of the town, Ali Ezzeddine, said the assistance "will soothe the residents’ tired bodies and minds."
Two days later, on 26 December, the Korean contingent provided 17 types of office supplies such as A4 paper boxes, printers, pens, tapes, plotter and markers to the Union of Tyre Municipalities.
Colonel Yoo Joon Geun of the Korean Contingent said the assistance aims to ensure smooth operation of the municipal administration.
Many villages in the south, especially those close to the Blue Line, are heavily damaged by the violence and exchanges of fire between Hizbullah and Israel Defense Forces. Following the cessation of hostilities agreement of 27 November, Lebanese authorities and aid agencies estimate that approximately 300,000 people, about 60 per cent of those who originally left, have returned to towns and villages within UNIFIL’s area of operations in south Lebanon. The items donated by peacekeepers will support the returnees with their pressing needs.