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, according to a press release. Families spent the night in their vehicles in Beirut, where some shelters have taken in dozens of families in the past 24 to 48 hours. Nearly one million people remain displaced across Lebanon following the escalation of hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants that began on 2 March. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the Israeli military issued an evacuation order on Tuesday for the city of Nabatieh, north of the Litani River. A renewed evacuation order was also issued for Mashgara in Bekaa, where rescue operations continue after an airstrike on Monday night.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded nine attacks on healthcare in four days, from 21 to 24 May, leaving eight health workers killed and 45 injured. On 23 May, 25 medical staff were injured at the Hiram Hospital in South governorate following several airstrikes nearby. The same day, an Israeli airstrike destroyed the Civil Defense Center in Nabatieh, including firefighting and rescue equipment. Two other hospitals in South and Nabatieh governorates sustained damage from nearby strikes in recent days. Mr. Haq stressed that attacks on health workers and facilities are unacceptable and must immediately stop.
The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, has observed extensive Israeli military activity and non-State armed group attacks presumed to be by Hezbollah since last Friday, 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 facilitated several humanitarian missions in coordination with UN and other aid agencies. The mission continues to operate amid the renewed tensions.
In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Mr. Haq said movement of supplies into Gaza remains 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. Earlier this month, the UN and partners brought three tonnes of rodenticides and 3,000 litres of pesticides into the enclave. Response efforts were launched across 1,700 locations to spray, take rodent control measures and raise awareness.
Aid partners report that severe shortages of engine oil continue to disrupt water and sanitation operations, with roughly 7,000 litres needed each month. The Sheikh Radwan stormwater lagoon in Gaza City had to shut down on 11 May to preserve the lifespan of a generator, raising flooding risks. UN partners have provided more than 14,000 households across Gaza with shelter and essential items. In the West Bank, partners reached more than 40,000 people last month with shelter repairs, cash assistance, tents and other supplies. Responses there target communities affected by conflict-related damage, escalating settler violence and the risk of forcible displacement.
