Israeli attacks on Lebanon may amount to war crimes, UN rights office says

"Deliberately attacking civilians or civilian objects amounts to a war crime. International humanitarian law demands distinction between military targets and civilians and civilian objects and insists on feasible precautions being taken to protect civilians. In addition, international law provides for specific protections for healthcare workers as well as people at heightened risk, such as the elderly, women and displaced people."

"Hundreds of homes and other buildings, including healthcare facilities, have been destroyed in intensified Israeli strikes on the capital, Beirut, and other parts of the country. Displaced Lebanese civilians living in tents along the Beirut seafront were killed in Israeli strikes while other attacks since early March also have killed at least 16 health workers."

"At least 912 people, including 111 children, have been killed and 2,221 wounded in Israel's attacks on Lebanon since March 2, according to the latest figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health."

The UN human rights office has stated that Israeli military attacks on residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in Lebanon may constitute war crimes. Hundreds of homes, healthcare facilities, and other civilian structures have been destroyed in intensified strikes on Beirut and other Lebanese areas. Displaced civilians living in tents and healthcare workers have been killed in these attacks. International humanitarian law requires distinction between military and civilian targets, with feasible precautions to protect civilians. Healthcare workers receive specific legal protections. At least 912 people, including 111 children, have been killed and 2,221 wounded since March 2. Israel intensified operations after Hezbollah launched rockets following events in early March.

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