New York, July 28 (SANA) United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said he was shocked by the scale of destruction and compounded suffering he witnessed in Lebanon, noting that his office has documented widespread violations of international humanitarian law, some of which may amount to war crimes and could constitute crimes under international law.
According to the UN News Centre, Türk told reporters on Monday at the conclusion of his visit to Lebanon that ongoing Israeli airstrikes, shelling and the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas had caused extensive civilian casualties, widespread destruction and large-scale displacement.
Türk said he visited a school that had been converted into a shelter housing around 1,000 displaced people, adding: “Some told me they had tried to return to their homes last week, only to find that their villages had been completely destroyed.”
He said he also heard testimonies describing entire villages south of the Litani River as having been leveled or rendered uninhabitable.
“As the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) approaches its expiry later this year, I am concerned about the potential implications for the protection of civilians in southern Lebanon. I hope this issue will be taken into account in any future arrangements,” Türk said.
The UN rights chief said Israeli forces continue to occupy extensive areas of southern Lebanese territory, expressing concern that the overall pattern of conduct, which has caused widespread displacement and prevented displaced people from returning to their homes, may amount to international crimes.
Türk added that he heard accounts from people displaced by the war, particularly persons with disabilities, who face significant difficulties reaching safe areas and accessing shelters.
He noted that Lebanon has made progress, including ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but stressed that implementation of its provisions continues to face challenges.
The Lebanese Army said on Monday that Israeli occupation forces continue to carry out attacks and violations of existing understandings and international law through demolition, bulldozing and shelling operations targeting several towns in southern Lebanon. It said the actions hinder the army’s full deployment and prevent residents from returning to their villages.
The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health announced Monday that the death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon since March 2 has risen to 4,332, with 12,236 people injured.
T.S /Ruaa
