Lebanon – OHCHR documents the continuing and horrific impact of the recent escalation

Commission spokesman Thameen Al-Khitan said in a statement read at the press conference of the United Nations agencies in Geneva that the Commission’s analysis of large-scale attacks, bombings and ground incursions found that the operations carried out by the Israeli army in Lebanon involved direct attacks on civilians, including medical personnel.

The Commission documented several Israeli raids that targeted multi-storey residential buildings, completely destroying them in some cases, leading to the killing of entire families.

Al-Khitan warned that these attacks may constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, adding that similar incidents continued after this period, even after the current ceasefire was announced.

He reported that Hezbollah fired missiles that were reported to be unguided at residential areas in Israel, which led to the destruction of buildings and civilian infrastructure, adding that these attacks may also constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Evacuation warnings are ambiguous and ambiguous

The UNHCR spokesperson said in his statement that before many of the strikes it carried out, Israel did not issue any warnings, or did not give any reasonably effective warnings, which prevented many civilians from evacuating safely.

He added that the ambiguous warnings of evacuation and displacement, which covered approximately 14% of Lebanese territory, led to the displacement of more than a million people, according to the Lebanese authorities.

Al-Khitan said that, given the scope and circumstances of these orders, they may amount to forced displacement, which is prohibited under international humanitarian law. He pointed out that 55 villages in southern Lebanon, located near the border with Israel, are still under these orders today.

Al-Khitan said that all displaced civilians who wish to return to their homes should be able to do so safely.

Attacks on journalists and health care

UNHCR also continued to document repeated deadly attacks on journalists and healthcare workers, especially first responders.

The UNHCR spokesman said that an Israeli raid last Wednesday led to the killing of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil in the south, and the injury of photographer Zainab Faraj, adding that it was reported that the Israeli army obstructed rescue teams from reaching them.

Al-Khitan said that international humanitarian law requires the protection of medical personnel, whether military or civilian, and other civilians, including journalists. He added that deliberately targeting them amounts to a war crime.

According to the Commission’s report, civilian objects, including health facilities, schools and places of worship, were completely destroyed or severely damaged.

The Commission also explained that Israeli attacks burned or polluted agricultural lands, and disrupted or destroyed livelihoods, undermining the rights to food, work and the right to a healthy environment. It quoted reports that the Israeli army used ammunition containing white phosphorus, which has particularly incendiary effects.

Al-Khitan expressed concern about escalating societal tensions and discriminatory practices that prevent displaced people from accessing housing and other basic services.

Call for immediate investigations

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, calls for immediate, comprehensive, independent and impartial investigations into all incidents involving allegations of violations of international humanitarian law, the commission’s spokesman said, adding that the results must be revealed and those responsible must be held accountable.

Al-Khitan said that the High Commissioner urges all countries to stop the sale, transfer and transfer of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment to any party, when it becomes clear that there is a clear risk that they will be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, or to facilitate the commission of such violations.

Turk called on all parties to ensure that the ceasefire becomes a permanent cessation of hostilities and the basis for lasting peace.