UN demands probe into Israeli strike on Lebanon refugee camp

The UN human rights office on Tuesday called for prompt, impartial investigations into a deadly Israeli strike on the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon, warning that the attack "may have violated international humanitarian law principles on the conduct of hostilities."

The appeal comes amid escalating Israeli military operations in Lebanon, nearly a year after the ceasefire.

"Almost a year since the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was agreed, we continue to witness increasing attacks by the Israeli military, resulting in the killing of civilians and destruction of civilian objects in Lebanon, coupled with alarming threats of a wider, intensified offensive,” OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan told reporters in Geneva.

He noted that the Israeli military's attacks have resulted in the killing of at least 127 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire agreement came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024.

Al-Kheetan highlighted last week's strike on the Ein el-Hilweh camp near Sidon as one of the deadliest incidents.

"At least 13 civilians, including 11 children, were killed and at least six civilians injured," he said, adding: "All the fatalities we have documented as a result of this strike were civilians, raising serious concerns that the Israeli military's attack may have violated international humanitarian law principles on the conduct of hostilities."

He stressed that "there must be prompt and impartial investigations into the Ein el-Hilweh strike, as well as all other incidents involving possible violations of international humanitarian law by all parties, both before and after the ceasefire," adding that "those responsible must be held to account."

Israeli attacks have also damaged or destroyed homes, roads, factories, and construction sites, further obstructing reconstruction and preventing displaced families from returning to southern Lebanon, according to the spokesperson. Al-Kheetan pointed to a Nov. 16 strike on a cement and asphalt factory in Ansar that destroyed dozens of concrete mixers, cranes, and fuel tanks.

Over 64,000 people, mostly from southern Lebanon, remain displaced, he said, adding that "Israel started constructing a wall crossing into Lebanese territory that makes 4,000 square meters inaccessible to the population, thus affecting people's right to return to their lands."

"All those internally displaced must be able to go back to their homes, and reconstruction should be supported, not tampered with," he said.

Al-Kheetan urged all parties to comply with the ceasefire "in good faith," warning that only a permanent cessation of hostilities can protect civilians from further harm. Accountability for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, he said, "must be realized."