Israel War complicates water supply in Lebanon - danger of cholera

The war in the Middle East is making the water supply in Lebanon increasingly difficult. Following problems with the supply of clean water for displaced persons, the UN observer mission Unifil in the country is now also reporting water shortages for its troops. According to Unifil, they have run out of water in the village of Mais al-Jabal near the Israeli border after weeks without supplies.

Because roads in the area are closed, UN troops last received a water supply at this post three weeks ago. Access to positions in this area is "difficult".

According to the Lebanese government, around 1.2 million people have been displaced by the attacks in Lebanon since the war between Israel and the Hezbollah militia began a year ago. Aid organizations are trying to maintain access to water and sanitary facilities for them. The UN Children's Fund, Unicef, reported that at least 28 water facilities have been damaged in the conflict, affecting the water supply for 360,000 people, mainly in the south.

"The ongoing bombardment is disrupting essential water and sanitation services across Lebanon, increasing the risk of cholera outbreaks," Unicef said. Young children are particularly at risk. Aid workers are therefore distributing disinfection kits and water purification tablets wherever possible.