UN human rights chief calls for end to Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon
BEIRUT — The United Nations’ human rights chief stated that Israel must end its occupation of large areas of southern Lebanon and halt the demolition of homes, days before Lebanese and Israeli officials are set to hold another round of direct talks, reports BritPanorama.
Volker Türk made the remarks while concluding his visit to Lebanon, which marked his second trip to the country in over a year. During his visit, he met with government officials, civil society representatives, and Lebanese individuals displaced by the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.
This visit occurred just prior to planned talks in Rome between Lebanese and Israeli officials aimed at implementing a framework deal established on June 26. The agreement outlines a blueprint for the deployment of Lebanese military forces in southern Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, in addition to the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has rejected these direct talks, insisting that it will not disarm. Türk emphasized that certain actions taken by Israel in Lebanon could amount to war crimes, aligning with assessments from other human rights organizations regarding widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
“Demolition of this type raises huge flags about compliance with international humanitarian law,” Türk remarked, characterizing the situation as a “wholesale destruction” of civilian homes. Israel contends that its military operations are aimed at Hezbollah personnel and infrastructure, accusing the group of concealing itself among civilians.
The current conflict escalated on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel following U.S.-Israeli attacks in February that triggered renewed hostilities. Israel’s subsequent aerial campaign and ground invasion have resulted in over 4,000 fatalities and the displacement of approximately 1.2 million people, with the Israeli military still occupying multiple towns in southern Lebanon.
Türk, based in Geneva, also engaged with a delegation from his office investigating the violent incidents in Lebanon during the conflict. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who met with Türk, indicated that Lebanon remains committed to the agreement but cautioned that Israel’s ongoing military presence and home demolitions could undermine its effectiveness.
President Aoun affirmed that Lebanon “will not accept ongoing violations of its provisions” during his meeting with Türk. The agreement has faced criticism for allowing both sides to refrain from pursuing any legal accountability.
Türk has also voiced criticism of Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israeli towns and has called for an end to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, advocating for the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes. He recounted a poignant encounter with a man who was barred from returning to his village, which had been demolished amid the conflict.
Türk disclosed that he attempted to reach Israeli authorities for a similar visit but received no response. Israel, alongside the United States and Russia, previously voted against appointing Türk to a second term at the United Nations General Assembly.
