The United Nations has revealed that at least 127 civilians have been killed in Israeli military strikes on Lebanon since a ceasefire agreement took effect nearly one year ago, prompting calls for an impartial investigation into potential violations of international law.
Ceasefire Violations and Mounting Casualties
Lebanon has formally accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire that came into force on 27 November last year, which was intended to end more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah. According to the Lebanese health ministry, the conflict has resulted in more than 330 fatalities and 945 injuries since the truce began.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, expressed grave concern during a Geneva press briefing, stating: "We continue to witness increasing attacks by the Israeli military, resulting in the killing of civilians and destruction of civilian objects in Lebanon, coupled with alarming threats of a wider, intensified offensive."
Recent Strike Raises Serious Concerns
The UN highlighted last week's Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon as particularly alarming. The attack killed 13 people, including 11 children, raising serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law.
While Israel claimed it targeted "terrorists" from Hamas, which is allied with Hezbollah, Kheetan told reporters: "All the fatalities we have documented as a result of this strike were civilians, raising serious concerns that the Israeli military's attack may have violated international humanitarian law principles on the conduct of hostilities."
Israel has countered these allegations by asserting that Hezbollah has been working to rebuild its military capabilities, thereby breaking the ceasefire terms themselves.
Humanitarian Impact and Displacement Crisis
The continuing violence has created a severe humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon. Kheetan reported that Israeli attacks have destroyed critical civilian infrastructure and severely hampered reconstruction efforts.
More than 64,000 people remain displaced within Lebanon, primarily from southern regions, unable to return to their homes due to ongoing security concerns and damaged infrastructure.
Compounding the displacement crisis, Kheetan noted that "Israel started constructing a wall crossing into Lebanese territory that makes 4,000 sq m inaccessible to the population, thus affecting people's right to return to their lands."
The UN rights office has called for prompt and impartial investigations into all incidents involving potential violations of international humanitarian law by all parties, both before and after the ceasefire. Kheetan emphasized that "those responsible must be brought to justice" and urged all parties to comply with the ceasefire agreement in good faith.
