THE United Nations Human Rights Office has reported that at least 71 Lebanese civilians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire agreement took effect on November 27 last year, highlighting ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
“According to our initial review, at least 71 civilians have been killed by Israeli forces in Lebanon since the ceasefire came into effect on 27 November last year. Among the victims are 14 women and 9 children. People remain gripped by fear, and over 92,000 are still displaced from their homes,” said UN Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan.
The spokesperson noted that violence has continued from both sides. According to the Israeli army, at least five rockets, two mortars, and a drone have been launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel since the ceasefire began. Tens of thousands of Israelis reportedly remain displaced from the northern region.
Al-Kheetan delivered a strong message at the UN’s biweekly press briefing in Geneva: “The violence must stop immediately. All parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. There must be prompt, independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian law, and those found responsible must be held to account.”
The humanitarian impact remains significant on both sides of the border. “All those internally displaced, in Lebanon and in Israel, should be able to safely return home. Unexploded remnants of war in southern Lebanon should be removed to ensure people can safely resume their lives upon return,” he said.
The UN spokesperson conveyed a message from High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who “urges all parties to respect the commitments they have made under the ceasefire, which needs to transition into a permanent cessation of hostilities, and to ensure full respect for and implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.”
