The recent airstrike by Israel on a vital water project in southeastern Lebanon has raised significant concerns among local authorities and residents. The attack took place on the outskirts of Shebaa, where an Israeli warplane targeted the ‘Al-Maghara’ spring water project. This facility is crucial for providing drinking water to several villages and towns, including Al-Arqoub, Hasbaya, and Marjeyoun in southern Lebanon.
According to sources from the Shebaa Municipality, the airstrike involved an air-to-ground missile that struck the main exit of the water project. This led to a devastating explosion, causing water to flow uncontrollably outside the distribution networks meant for the villages relying on this water source. The repercussions of this strike have been severe, with local water authorities reporting significant damage to the project’s facilities.
The South Lebanon Water Establishment (SLWE), responsible for managing the water project, confirmed that the facilities have sustained extensive damage due to the Israeli shelling.
They noted that the attacks have disrupted the water supply, rendering the project inoperative. In response to the crisis, the SLWE has been in urgent discussions with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of maintenance teams while assessing the damage and preparing for necessary repairs.
Local municipalities in the affected areas, including Al-Arqoub and Hasbaya, have issued a plea for immediate action. They have reached out to government agencies, international organisations, and UNIFIL forces, urging them to take swift measures to restore the damaged water infrastructure.
The municipalities highlighted the urgency of the situation, as the airstrike has jeopardised the water supply for over 2,000 families, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis in the region.
As of now, the Israeli army has not commented on the attack. However, on the same day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that they had conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, specifically targeting weapons storage facilities and an intelligence command centre.
The IDF justified these strikes as part of their ongoing efforts to diminish Hezbollah’s military capabilities, which they claim are embedded within civilian areas, thus posing a threat to the local population.
The airstrike on the water project is part of a larger pattern of escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, which has intensified since late September. The Israeli army has been carrying out a series of air attacks in Lebanon under an operation named “Arrows of the North.” This offensive is aimed at crippling Hezbollah’s operational capabilities, including both air and ground assaults along the border.
The ongoing conflict and military actions have left many in the region on edge, as they fear for their safety and the stability of essential services such as water supply. The destruction of vital infrastructure like the Al-Maghara water project highlights the broader humanitarian implications of military actions in conflict zones.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation as calls for protection and support grow louder. The urgency for repairs and the restoration of services are paramount, especially given the already precarious living conditions faced by residents in these areas.
As discussions continue among local and international entities about how to address the aftermath of the Israeli airstrike, the hope remains that efforts will be made to secure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
Access to clean water is not just a basic necessity; it is a fundamental right that must be safeguarded, especially in times of conflict. The repercussions of such attacks on civilian infrastructure are profound, emphasising the need for a concerted effort to protect essential services and the communities that rely on them.
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