“Israel’s latest breach of international law will only add to this mounting toll of death and displacement.”
UN experts have sharply condemned Israel’s escalated military campaign in Lebanon for violations of international law as the country witnesses unprecedented displacement and suffering.
“The number of internally displaced persons in Lebanon has more than tripled in less than a month due to Israel’s relentless attacks on populated areas coupled with belated or ineffective evacuation orders, in violation of the principles of distinction and proportionality,” the experts said in a statement on Friday.
#Lebanon: UN experts deplore #Israel’s increasing disregard for int'l law & urge int'l community & Israel’s allies to act now to halt further military incursions, protect civilians & push for an immediate, unconditional #ceasefire for Lebanon & the region.https://t.co/AZN1D73f6n pic.twitter.com/defp2MwmSP
— UN Special Procedures (@UN_SPExperts) October 4, 2024
More than 1,600 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon since October last year, the statement noted, adding that at least 346,000 have been internally displaced and plans are underway to shelter up to one million IDPs.
In addition, hundreds of thousands have crossed into Syria with many of those displaced already refugees.
“Israel’s latest breach of international law – a ground invasion in violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and Security Council resolution 1701 – will only add to this mounting toll of death and displacement,” the experts said.
Israel Impeding Relief Efforts
Highlighting that Lebanon was grappling with social and economic instability and the hosting of millions of refugees even before the current conflict, the experts said that further damage to Lebanon’s institutions could overwhelm the country’s ability to respond to this crisis.
Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon Escalate – At Least Four Paramedics Killed, Scores Injured
“While the humanitarian response has been commendable, Israel has impeded relief efforts through attacking vital civilian infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water and health facilities, as well as health and humanitarian workers themselves,” they stressed.
“These are clear violations of the international obligation to respect and protect relief personnel that risk collapsing the system to protect and assist displaced persons.”
At least four paramedics were killed on Friday after they were targeted in an Israeli drone strike.
Immediate Ceasefire
The experts pointed out that maintaining international peace and security “requires the international community and Israel’s allies in particular to act now to halt further military incursions, ensure the unconditional protection of all civilians, accountability for violations of international law, and an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as the only path forward for Lebanon and the region.”
ISrael occupation forces: Limitless killing of health care workers pic.twitter.com/1TqelYLIjJ
— Dr. Mads Gilbert (@DrMadsGilbert) October 4, 2024
Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of Health, Firass Abiad, announced on Thursday that the death toll of the Israeli aggression on Lebanon since October 8 has risen to 1,974, including 127 children and 261 women, according to Al-Mayadeen. In addition, a total of 9,384 people have been injured.
(PC, Al-Mayadeen)
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