UN Rights Chief: Israeli Military Operations in Lebanon May Constitute War Crimes
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated Monday that his office has recorded large-scale violations of international humanitarian law by Israeli forces in Lebanon, some of which may constitute war crimes. The remarks came at the conclusion of an official visit to the country, where Türk assessed the toll of months of cross-border hostilities.
Türk said continued Israeli airstrikes, shelling, and the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas have resulted in extensive civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and mass displacement. He also noted that rockets fired by the Lebanese Hezbollah militia into populated areas in Israel have killed civilians and damaged civilian infrastructure, underscoring the conflict's reciprocal nature.
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 4,300 people have been killed and over 12,200 injured in Lebanon since March 2, as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified. Among the dead are more than 135 health care workers, as well as journalists and media personnel.
Despite a cessation of hostilities announced on April 17 and subsequent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate, Türk said Israeli military airstrikes and ground operations in Lebanon have persisted. “My Office has recorded large-scale violations of international humanitarian law, some possibly amounting to war crimes,” he said, adding that under certain circumstances they could also constitute crimes under international law.
The UN rights chief highlighted that entire villages south of the Litani River — roughly 30 kilometers from the Israeli border — have been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. He also expressed alarm that Israeli forces continue to occupy significant Lebanese territory in the south, warning that the resulting large-scale displacement of civilians and denial of their right to return could amount to international crimes.
The development adds to growing international scrutiny of the conflict, which began escalating in late 2023 when Hezbollah launched rockets in solidarity with Hamas, drawing Israel into a two-front confrontation. Analysts say the scale of destruction and civilian harm in Lebanon raises urgent questions about compliance with the laws of war, even as diplomatic channels seek a lasting ceasefire.