The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has raised alarm over a surge in violence in Lebanon following a wave of Israeli airstrikes.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 8th, Türk said nearly 100 airstrikes were carried out within a span of ten minutes, striking areas including southern Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the eastern Bekaa Valley. The intensity of the bombardment has reportedly overwhelmed hospitals, with mass casualties reported.
“The level of violence and devastation in Lebanon witnessed today was horrific beyond words,” Türk stated.
According to figures cited by the UN rights chief, more than 1,500 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since March 2, including over 200 women and children, while more than one million people have been displaced.
Türk also condemned retaliatory attacks by Hezbollah, noting that missile and drone strikes on northern Israel resulted in the deaths of two civilians.
He stressed that all parties to the conflict are bound by international humanitarian law, particularly the obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“The protection of civilians and their property against attacks in any situation must be ensured,” he said.
Türk emphasized the need for strict adherence to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in the conduct of hostilities, warning that violations could constitute serious breaches of international law.
He requested immediate independent inquiries be made regarding all allegations of violations, with the perpetrators punished accordingly.
