UN rights chief says Israeli violations in Lebanon may amount to war crimes

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has said his office has documented large-scale violations of international humanitarian law in Lebanon, some of which may amount to "war crimes." Speaking at a news conference in Beirut, Türk said more than 4,300 people have been killed and 12,200 injured since March 2, with over 135 healthcare workers among the dead.

Destruction and Displacement

Türk said entire villages south of the Litani River had been "razed or rendered uninhabitable," with Israeli strikes flattening homes, schools, healthcare facilities and agricultural land. He expressed concern that the overall conduct of Israeli forces, including large-scale displacement and the denial of residents' return, "could amount to international crimes." He also noted that more than 135 health care workers and many journalists were among those killed.

Call for Justice

Türk stressed that civilian protection was "absolutely paramount" and called for both Israel and Hezbollah to respect international law. He also called for justice for the victims of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, saying judicial reforms would be critical to restoring trust in state institutions.