Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Monday that Israeli attacks against Lebanon have damaged significant infrastructure, preventing thousands of Lebanese from returning home.
According to Lebanon researcher at HRW Ramzi Kaiss, Israeli attacks since October 2023 have damaged both civilian households and public infrastructure necessary to ensure basic services. Kaiss stated, “Even if their houses are still there, how can they return when there is no water, electricity, telecommunications, or health infrastructure?”. The human rights organization urges the Lebanese government to work with donors to ensure the reconstruction of this infrastructure. Kaiss mentioned that the government “needs to prioritize rebuilding the critical infrastructure and the delivery of public services in a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free manner”.
HRW also urges the UN Human Rights Council and member states to investigate the recent hostilities in Lebanon and northern Israel to ensure accountability. This includes a call for the government to permit the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors to investigate possible international crimes.
The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed that as of February 12, 2025, more than 115,000 people remain internally displaced in Lebanon. Moreover, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) confirmed in its latest report that almost 100.000 assets were damaged due to the war with Israel. These assets include houses, businesses, and public infrastructure, including education and health services. International humanitarian law and treaties such as the Geneva Conventions of 1949 prohibit countries from targeting civilians and health infrastructure during conflict.
Both Israel and Lebanon have recommitted to implementing their ceasefire agreement. Despite this, in December 2024 the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had to urge Israel to withdraw from Southern Lebanon. Recently, Lebanon has appointed a new Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam. HRW and other organizations have called on Salam to prioritize human rights, including ensuring access to health and education, recently worsened by the war with Israel.