UN Human Rights Office warns of escalating Israeli occupation attacks in Lebanon

GENEVA, Nov 25 (KUNA) -- The UN Human Rights Office sounded the alarm on Tuesday over increasing attacks by the Israeli occupation military in nearly a year after the ceasefire agreement came into force resulting in the killing of civilians and destruction of civilian property in Lebanon.
Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan reported that Isareli occupation forces killed at least 127 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect on 27 November 2024 and up to 24 November of this year.
He highlighted last week's attacks on the Ain Al-Hilweh refugee camp calling it one of the most lethal in recent months. He reported that the attack claimed the lives of at least 13 people, 11 of them children and left at least six others wounded.
Al-Kheetan confirmed that all those killed in that strike were civilians raising grave concerns about possible violations of the core principles of international humanitarian law governing the conduct of hostilities.
He stressed the need for swift impartial investigations into the Ain Al-Hilweh strike and all other incidents that may amount to breaches of international humanitarian law by any party before or after the ceasefire, underscoring that accountability is essential.
Al-Kheetan also noted that Israeli occupation forces have started constructing a wall crossing into Lebanese territory that makes 4,000 square meters inaccessible to the population affecting people's right to return to their lands.
The spokesperson said the attacks have severely damaged civilian infrastructure from homes and roads to factories and construction sites undermining reconstruction efforts and hindering displaced families' attempts to return to their communities in southern Lebanon.
He emphasized that more than 64,000 people most from the country's south remain displaced inside Lebanon with many still unable to go home due to ongoing hostilities and destruction.
Al-Kheetan urged all parties to show their commitment to comply with the ceasefire in good faith, stressing that a genuine path towards a permanent cessation of hostilities is the only way to protect the human rights of civilians from the devastating effects of new hostilities.
He further underlined that accountability for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law must be realized. (end) imk.aai