The UN refugee agency said today it was rushing aid to hundreds of Darfur women and children who survived a 125-mile journey to safety after their town was attacked by planes and helicopters.

Thousands of Lebanese are unable to return to their homes two weeks after the cease-fire took hold because they feel too insecure or the houses are destroyed, the UN refugee agency said today.

Thousands of Lebanese today joined the stream of refugees returning to their homes in southern Lebanon, followed closely by relief workers hoping to keep up with their needs in an area where a month of fighting devastated buildings and knocked out electricity and other essential services.

Two UN convoys destined for southern Lebanon were halted today after they failed to receive necessary security clearance from Israeli military forces and Hezbollah, but another convoy reached the besieged town of Qana, officials said.

The UN is evacuating all non-essential staff from Beirut because of the Israeli military strikes on Lebanon, the world body’s refugee agency said today.