July 28, 2026, 01:51July 28, 2026, 01:51
The UN Human Rights Office has documented widespread violations of international humanitarian law by Israeli forces in Lebanon. Some of these could constitute war crimes, said UN High Commissioner Volker Türk in the Lebanese capital Beirut.
Sustained Israeli air strikes, artillery shelling and the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas have caused high civilian casualties, widespread destruction and mass displacement. At the same time, rocket attacks by the Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah on populated areas in Israel also killed civilians and damaged civilian infrastructure.
According to the Lebanese authorities, more than 4,300 people have been killed and around 12,200 injured in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah since March 2nd. Despite a ceasefire, Israel is continuing its air strikes and ground operations, Turk said. Villages south of the Litani River were destroyed or made uninhabitable. The river is about 30 kilometers from the border with Israel.
Türk expressed concern about the continued presence of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. The large-scale displacement of civilians and the prevention of their return could constitute international crimes. An independent UN mission that has already been set up is collecting evidence of alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict since March 2nd. (sda/dpa)