Beirut, August 1: The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the severe damage to water supply systems and other infrastructure in Southern Lebanon amid the ongoing Iran-U.S. conflict. Over one million displaced individuals returning to their homes are facing significant hardships. The availability of clean drinking water and the restoration of basic services have become major challenges in the affected areas.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Friday that preliminary assessments by the Southern Lebanon Water Authority revealed that more than 700,000 people have been deprived of access to safe drinking water due to damage to water systems in the South and Nabatiyeh governorates.
According to the news agency Xinhua, OCHA noted that damage to ponds, pumping stations, boreholes, and other facilities is increasing health risks for the population and impacting agriculture and livelihoods.
OCHA stated that while over 821,000 individuals have returned to their communities, approximately 360,000 remain homeless, with about 27,000 living in collective shelters.
Human rights advocates emphasized that returning home does not mean that people’s humanitarian needs have been met. Continuous investment in humanitarian aid and rapid recovery is essential for restoring basic services, supporting livelihoods, and assisting communities in recovering safely and with dignity.
Earlier on Monday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated that the Israeli military operations in Lebanon have caused significant distress to civilians, potentially constituting war crimes.
At a press conference in Beirut, concluding his four-day official visit, Turk mentioned that his office has documented widespread violations of international human rights law, some of which may amount to war crimes.
According to a statement from the UN Information Center, Turk highlighted that ongoing Israeli airstrikes, shelling, and the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and displacement.
He also noted that a fair and independent assessment mission has begun collecting information and evidence regarding alleged violations by parties involved in the conflict since March 2.
Citing Lebanese authorities, Turk reported that over 4,300 people have been killed and more than 12,200 injured in Lebanon since March 2, including over 135 healthcare workers and several journalists and media personnel.
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