BEIRUT, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Thursday that the recent war destroyed about 68,000 housing units and damaged nearly 18 percent of Lebanon's territory, underscoring the scale of challenges facing the country as it pursues recovery and reforms.
Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with a foreign delegation, according to a statement released by the Lebanese presidency.
Aoun said Lebanon continues to suffer from the consequences of the war, which he said killed more than 3,500 people, including 245 children, wounded 11,000 others, and displaced around 1 million people, with some victims still trapped under the rubble.
He noted that the damage extended beyond military targets to residential buildings, roads, electricity facilities, water infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, complicating the return of displaced residents before reconstruction efforts begin.
Aoun also reaffirmed his government's commitment to economic, financial, administrative, and judicial reforms.
Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have entered a new round of clashes since March 2. Despite a ceasefire agreement in April, Israel has continued to carry out strikes in southern Lebanon.
