UN official: Some Israeli measures in Lebanon amount to war crimes

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Monday that some Israeli actions in Lebanon may amount to war crimes, echoing criticisms from other human rights groups about the widespread destruction of cities and villages, and the killing of dozens of medical workers and journalists.

Türk added that what has happened in Lebanon constitutes “comprehensive destruction” of civilian homes, and that “this type of demolition raises serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law.”

He also criticized Hezbollah for its attacks on northern Israeli towns, calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and for the safe return of displaced persons to their homes.

Türk said, “Yesterday I met a man who told me he had returned to his village in this area... south of what is known as the Yellow Line.” He added, “The Israelis were there and prevented him from approaching it in any way, and he saw how the village had been destroyed.”

Türk further stated that he had contacted Israeli authorities in hopes of arranging a similar visit, but had not received any response.