Israeli destruction in Lebanon blocks return of displaced civilians, says HRW

Israeli attacks on towns and villages in southern Lebanon are preventing tens of thousands of displaced people from returning home, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports.

“Israel’s deliberate demolition of civilian homes and infrastructure and its use of explosive weapons in populated areas are making it impossible for many residents to return to their villages and houses,” said Ramzi Kaiss, HRW’s Lebanon researcher.

Kaiss added that even if some homes remain standing, the lack of essential services - water, electricity, telecommunications, and healthcare - makes their return unfeasible.

HRW researchers documented widespread destruction, including an Israeli strike on a water filtration and pumping station in Tyre on 18 November, which disrupted water access for around 72,000 people.

While emergency repairs restored some supply within a month, the facility - Tyre’s primary water source - must be completely rebuilt, said Kassem Khalifeh, the utility’s chief supervisor.