Israeli military operations have killed at least 71 civilians in Lebanon since a ceasefire was declared with Hezbollah in late November, including women and children, the United Nations reported on Tuesday.
Speaking in Geneva, UN rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said the victims included 14 women and nine children. He called for an immediate end to the violence, stressing that continued strikes were causing widespread fear and suffering.
The ceasefire, which took effect on November 27, 2024, was aimed at halting more than a year of hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. However, the UN said Israeli strikes have continued in southern Lebanon, hitting civilian infrastructure such as residential areas, medical centers, roads, and even a café.
In one instance, Israeli airstrikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut in early April — the first such attack in the area since the truce. On April 1, a residential building was struck, killing two civilians and damaging surrounding structures. Two days later, a medical center run by the Islamic Health Society in Naqoura was destroyed, along with two ambulances.
Between April 4 and 8, at least six people were reported killed in multiple airstrikes across southern Lebanese towns.
The UN also noted that hostilities have not been one-sided. Since the ceasefire, at least five rockets, two mortars, and a drone were reportedly launched from Lebanon into northern Israel. Tens of thousands of people on both sides remain displaced due to the continued insecurity.
Kheetan urged all parties involved to abide by international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. He called for independent investigations into alleged violations and accountability for those responsible.
Speaking in Geneva, UN rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said the victims included 14 women and nine children. He called for an immediate end to the violence, stressing that continued strikes were causing widespread fear and suffering.
The ceasefire, which took effect on November 27, 2024, was aimed at halting more than a year of hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. However, the UN said Israeli strikes have continued in southern Lebanon, hitting civilian infrastructure such as residential areas, medical centers, roads, and even a café.
In one instance, Israeli airstrikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut in early April — the first such attack in the area since the truce. On April 1, a residential building was struck, killing two civilians and damaging surrounding structures. Two days later, a medical center run by the Islamic Health Society in Naqoura was destroyed, along with two ambulances.
Between April 4 and 8, at least six people were reported killed in multiple airstrikes across southern Lebanese towns.
The UN also noted that hostilities have not been one-sided. Since the ceasefire, at least five rockets, two mortars, and a drone were reportedly launched from Lebanon into northern Israel. Tens of thousands of people on both sides remain displaced due to the continued insecurity.
Kheetan urged all parties involved to abide by international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. He called for independent investigations into alleged violations and accountability for those responsible.
