Attacks on Middle Eastern oil refineries threaten public health
United Nations humanitarian officials on Monday expressed concern that attacks targeting oil refineries in the Middle East could produce serious environmental consequences, including impacts on safe water access and public health.
“This is occurring amid reports of attacks on desalination facilities in several countries,” said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
According to OCHA, the region was already facing substantial humanitarian needs even before the latest escalation took place.
When questioned about oil prices exceeding USD 100 per barrel since the US-Israel strikes against Iran on 28 February, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stated that the increase “will impact everything … including UN operations”.
Dujarric said the price rise was affecting the global organisation’s logistics operations, including the cost of food assistance and fertiliser required to produce it. The impact of rising prices could extend across all sectors.
“This once again underscores our dependence on fossil fuels, whose supply is concentrated in only a few regions of the world. And this should also be an opportunity to redouble our efforts in developing renewable energy,” said Dujarric.
OCHA stated that evacuation orders remain in effect in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, forcing a large number of civilians to flee. According to the office, local authorities report that over 115,000 people are now sheltering in more than 500 collective centres, whilst over 500,000 residents have registered as displaced persons. Healthcare services continue to be affected, with five hospitals and dozens of primary health facilities ceasing operations.
“The humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. Immediate de-escalation is urgently needed,” OCHA stated.
OCHA emphasised that all parties must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians, healthcare facilities, and humanitarian personnel. They must also ensure safe and sustained access for humanitarian organisations.
OCHA and its partners continue to respond despite limited resources. However, the office urgently requires international support to meet rapidly increasing needs.
Dujarric stated that over the weekend, UN peacekeepers along the Blue Line separating Lebanon and Israel reported gunfire exchanges, including rocket launches towards Israel as well as Israeli air strikes and artillery fire in their operational area.
The peacekeepers also observed Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) infiltration into Lebanese territory, including reports on Monday of one IDF tank near Kunin in south-eastern Lebanon, approximately 7 kilometres north of the Blue Line.
OCHA also stated that closure of crossings along the Gaza perimeter continues to obstruct humanitarian operations.
“Continued closure at the Zikim crossing has forced aid workers to divert essential supplies that should be heading to northern Gaza via the southern Kerem Shalom crossing, which remains the only operational crossing point. This longer route is slower and more expensive, and increases reliance on scarce fuel within Gaza, where movement occurs on damaged roads,” the office stated.
Medical evacuation of patients from Gaza and return of Palestinians from abroad also remain suspended.