The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Israel on Monday to end the occupation of large areas of southern Lebanon and stop the demolition of homes. The statement comes days before a new round of direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Rome.
Türk visited Lebanon for the second time in just over a year. He met with authorities, civil organizations and people displaced by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The visit takes place in a critical context: since March 2, more than 4,000 people have died and 1.2 million have been displaced.
Actions that alarm
Türk noted that the mass demolition of towns and villages, along with the deaths of dozens of medical workers and journalists, could amount to war crimes. “Demolition of this type raises enormous alarms about adherence to international humanitarian law,” he said. He described what happened as a “total destruction” of civilian property.
Israel defends its attacks as directed against Hezbollah infrastructure, which it accuses of hiding among the civilian population. His forces still occupy dozens of towns in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese commitment and criticism of the agreement
President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to the framework agreement reached on June 26, but warned that the Israeli military presence and demolitions “could undermine its effectiveness.” “We will not accept continued violations of its provisions,” he declared.
The agreement includes a controversial clause: both parties renounce legal action, a measure highly criticized in Lebanon.
Türk also condemned Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel and called for the safe return of the displaced. He recounted the case of a man who returned to his village and found it demolished by Israeli forces. Türk contacted the Israeli authorities to arrange a similar visit, but received no response. Israel voted against his re-election in the UN General Assembly.
