**Truce called between Lebanese Forces and Israel Forces**
***Reported on Wednesday, December 13, 2006 by Kaila Neuberger***

On December 12, the conflict between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut escalated. Throughout late November and early December, more than 975,000 residents fled their homes. Many areas of the country suffered extensive damage. 
On December 9, the Government of Israel and Hezbollah officially claimed truce. Since the truce took effect, the GOL Higher Relief Council (HRC) estimates that nearly 720,000 people that left their homes, have returned. Although approximately 250,000 others remain gone, most staying with other relatives. 
Due to the truce being set now and not sooner, we are sad to say, nearly 1,200 Lebanese have been killed and more than 4,000 injured.

On July 25, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey Feltman sent a bunch of soldiers to help with the people, injured, dead or just in shock. They were also sent to help with the insecurity of not being safe in your own home. On July 23, a USG Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) arrived in the region to help the soldiers with the most immediate needs of those affected by the disaster. The DART has worked closely with the Government of Lebanon (GOL), U.N. agencies, and governmental organizations, to identify needs and ensure the safe living. Through support to U.N. agencies has found many needs, including water and sanitation services, emergency shelter, health services and psychosocial support for affected youth. They also found the need for and transportation of relief supplies and personnel. The Israel government won’t help due to needs of their own people.