UN Rights Office Warns of Potential War Crimes in Israeli Attacks

UN Warns of Potential War Crimes in Israel’s Attacks on Lebanon

The United Nations Human Rights Office has issued a statement warning that deliberate attacks on civilians or civilian objects may amount to war crimes. The warning comes as the Israeli military continues its aerial and ground operations in Lebanon, targeting areas controlled by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group.

According to the UN, hundreds of homes and buildings, including healthcare facilities, have been destroyed in intensified Israeli strikes on Beirut and other parts of the country. Displaced Lebanese civilians living in tents along the Beirut seafront were also killed in these attacks.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has emphasized that international humanitarian law requires distinction between military targets and civilians, as well as feasible precautions to protect civilians. The office has also highlighted specific protections for healthcare workers and people at heightened risk, such as the elderly, women, and displaced individuals.

Since March 2, at least 912 people have been killed and 2,221 wounded in Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, according to the latest figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The conflict has also resulted in the displacement of over one million people, with many forced to leave their homes due to Israeli threats.

The UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern over the scale of the displacement crisis and the lack of resources, essential supplies, and funding to meet the needs of those affected. The office has also noted that Israel’s orders for residents of southern Lebanon to leave their homes may amount to forced displacement, prohibited under international humanitarian law.

The situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, with many human rights concerns arising from the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera