Middle East update: Airstrikes and evacuation orders in Lebanon, aid restrictions in Gaza

This article is published in association with United Nations.

Intensified Israeli airstrikes overnight in Lebanon forced people to again flee their homes, while humanitarians in the Gaza Strip report continued restrictions in bringing aid into the enclave, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Following the airstrikes in Lebanon, families were seen spending the night in their vehicles in the capital Beirut, where some shelters have taken in dozens of families in the past 24 to 48 hours.  

Nearly one million people overall are still displaced across the country in the wake of the escalation of hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants that began on 2 March. 

UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said that for the first time, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order on Tuesday for the city of Nabatieh, located north of the Litani River. 

A renewed evacuation order was also issued for the town of Mashgara in Bekaa, where rescue operations are continuing following an Israeli airstrike on Monday night. 

Health workers killed 

The World Health Organization (WHO) said nine attacks on healthcare were recorded in four days, 21-24 May, resulting in eight health workers killed and 45 injured.  

On 23 May alone, 25 medical staff were injured at the Hiram Hospital in South governorate, following several airstrikes in the immediate area.  

That same day, an Israeli airstrike destroyed the Civil Defense Center in Nabatieh, including firefighting and rescue equipment, as well as heavy machinery, impacting the already overstretched emergency response capacity.  

Two other hospitals, in South and Nabatieh governorates also sustained damage from nearby strikes in recent days.  

“We reiterate that attacks on health workers and health facilities are unacceptable. All parties to conflicts must immediately stop them and ensure protection for healthcare,” said Mr. Haq. 

Record airspace violations 

He also provided an update on the work of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. 

Since last Friday, UNIFIL has observed extensive Israeli military activity as well as non-State armed group attacks – presumed to be by Hezbollah – on Israeli forces in its area of operations, despite the cessation of hostilities.  

On Monday, peacekeepers detected 91 airspace violations – the highest number since the ceasefire came into effect on 17 April.   

They also reported 399 firing incidents attributed to Israeli forces and 11 trajectories of projectiles attributed to Hezbollah. 

UNIFIL has also facilitated several humanitarian missions in coordination with UN and other aid agencies.

Open more Gaza crossings 

Turning to the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Mr. Haq said UN humanitarians report that movement of supplies into Gaza continues to be restricted. 

Over the weekend, Israeli authorities informed that the Zikim Crossing will remain closed this week, leaving Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem as the only operational crossing for cargo.  

“We continue to call for more crossings to open and for more critical supplies, such as back-up generators and fuel, to be let in, regularly, predictably and in sufficient volumes,” he said. 

Rodent control campaign 

Humanitarian efforts to address public health risks and improve sanitation across the Gaza Strip continue. 

Earlier this month, the UN and partners brought three tonnes of rodenticides and 3,000 litres of pesticides into the enclave to tackle infestations. 

They launched response efforts across 1,700 locations to spray, take rodent control measures and raise people’s awareness.  

Engine oil shortage and flooding threat 

Mr. Haq said aid partners working in water and sanitation report that severe shortages of engine oil continue to disrupt critical operations.   

They estimate that roughly 7,000 litres are needed each month to keep operations running, and “life‑saving activities are increasingly curtailed.”  

He cited the example of the Sheikh Radwan stormwater lagoon in Gaza City which had to shut down on 11 May to preserve the lifespan of a generator.  

“Since then, water and wastewater levels have risen significantly, raising the risk of flooding in the coming weeks and posing further public health threats,” he said. 

Support in the West Bank 

Meanwhile, UN partners provided more than 14,000 households across Gaza with shelter and essential items.  

“Our partners are also responding in the West Bank, mainly to Palestinian communities affected by conflict-related damage, escalating settler violence, the increasing risk of forcible displacement of entire communities and deteriorating shelter conditions,” said Mr. Haq.  

They reached more than 40,000 people last month alone, providing shelter repairs, cash assistance, tents and other supplies, in addition to installing fences and doors.