The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced on Sunday that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon has severely affected access to clean water supplies. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also warned of the heightened risk of a cholera outbreak due to the lack of clean drinking water along the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon, which is monitored by UNIFIL.
In a statement, UNIFIL reported, “Yesterday, peacekeeping forces in Meiss al-Jabal ran out of water after weeks without resupply. There is also difficulty in accessing locations near the Blue Line. Although most sites have enough food and water for over 10 days, they have not received supplies since September 29 due to blocked roads.”
UNIFIL further highlighted that “ongoing shelling is disrupting water and sanitation services throughout Lebanon, increasing the risk of a cholera outbreak, especially among children and vulnerable populations.”
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated significantly since October 2024. Hostilities include cross-border exchanges of artillery fire and drone strikes, with Hezbollah targeting northern Israeli regions and Israeli forces conducting airstrikes in southern Lebanon. The tensions stem from broader regional instability, including the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, with both sides preparing for potential expanded military operations. Israel has launched ground incursions into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, while Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket and drone attacks.
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon has deteriorated due to these hostilities. The conflict has exacerbated Lebanon’s already severe economic crisis, characterized by widespread poverty, high food insecurity, and a failing public infrastructure. The escalation has led to displacement, disruption of essential services like water and sanitation, and increased risks of disease outbreaks, such as cholera. Efforts to de-escalate tensions, including U.S. diplomatic initiatives, are ongoing but have yet to yield a permanent resolution.
