UN Commissioner: Israeli occupation violations in Lebanon may amount to war crimes
Beirut, July 27 (KUNA) -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, affirmed today Monday that his office has documented widespread violations of international humanitarian law resulting from the continuous attacks by Israeli occupation forces, noting that some of these violations in Lebanon “may amount to war crimes.”
Türk, speaking at a press conference that concluded his visit to Lebanon, stated that the continuous air raids, shelling by Israeli occupation forces, and the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas have caused heavy civilian casualties and left “widespread destruction and mass displacement.” He clarified that since March 2 of last year, more than 4,300 people have been killed and 12,200 others injured, according to figures from Lebanese authorities.
He added that among the victims of the Israeli occupation’s aggression on Lebanon were more than 135 healthcare workers, as well as numerous journalists and media personnel.
Türk announced the deployment of a neutral and independent assessment mission, agreed upon with the Lebanese government, which is “currently on the ground” to collect evidence related to violations and breaches of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by the parties to the conflict since March 2 of last year.
He recalled that he visited, alongside Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Al-Sayed, a school converted into a shelter hosting approximately 1,000 displaced persons affected by the conflict, and confirmed that he heard “harrowing” testimonies about entire villages south of the Litani River being destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.
The UN official noted that continuous air raids and demolition operations carried out by Israeli occupation forces have leveled homes, schools, health facilities, water distribution networks, electrical infrastructure, places of worship, and agricultural land.
He remarked that when he visited Lebanon a year and a half ago, he saw “a country attempting to emerge from deep, intertwined crises with a clear determination by the leadership to pursue a reform agenda enjoying local and international support,” adding that last year witnessed important reform steps on several issues.
Türk considered that the renewed escalation of military confrontations between the two sides in southern Lebanon had obstructed the momentum of reforms “and had a catastrophic impact on the Lebanese people.”
The High Commissioner expressed his deep concern regarding the protection of civilians in the south as the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) nears its end at the close of this year, pointing to the continued Israeli occupation forces’ control over large areas of Lebanese territory in the south.
On another note, Türk called for further progress in protecting the rights of marginalized groups and persons with disabilities, and in combating discrimination, emphasizing the importance of achieving justice and holding accountable those responsible for the Beirut port explosion as its sixth anniversary approaches.
Türk outlined that Lebanon’s reconstruction process requires strengthening the relationship between the state and its citizens, ensuring security and services, while fully respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity without any external interference.
In response to journalists’ questions regarding concrete measures to deter violations, Türk indicated that his office’s role is limited to monitoring, documenting, and preparing reports to be submitted through national and international channels, expressing hope that ongoing negotiations under US sponsorship and the upcoming Rome meetings on August 4 would help de-escalate tensions. (End) F.Z. / H.M.F.
