Commission for Human Rights: Israel has killed 127 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire

This came during a press conference held in Geneva on Tuesday, where UNHCR spokesman Thameen Al-Khitan confirmed the killing “At least 127 civilians in Lebanon” Since the ceasefire agreement entered into force almost a year ago.

He referred to the Israeli attack on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the city of Sidon last week, which killed at least 13 civilians, including 11 children, and injured six civilians.

Al-Khitan said: “All of the victims we documented killed as a result of this strike were civilians, raising serious concerns that the IDF attack potentially violated principles of international humanitarian law relating to the conduct of hostilities.”

He called for prompt and impartial investigations into the Ain al-Hilweh raid and all other incidents involving possible violations of international humanitarian law by all parties, “before and after the ceasefire,” and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

The UNHCR spokesperson also touched on the devastation caused to civilian infrastructure, including housing units, roads, factories and construction sites, as a result of Israeli attacks, which also hampered reconstruction efforts and attempts by displaced persons to return to their homes in southern Lebanon.

He said that more than 64,000 people, most of them residents of southern Lebanon, are still dispersed in other parts of the country. He pointed to the wall that Israel is building, which “crosses into Lebanese territory and makes it impossible for residents to reach an area of ​​four thousand square meters,” which affects their right to return to their lands. He added: “All displaced people must be able to return to their homes, and reconstruction must be supported, not hindered.”

According to Mr. Al-Khitan, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stressed that it is “urgent now” for the parties to demonstrate their commitment to the ceasefire in good faith.

And he said: “Genuine steps towards a permanent cessation of hostilities are the only way to protect the human rights of civilians on both sides from the devastating effects of new hostilities. Accountability for violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be achieved.”