UN warns of rising civilian toll from Israeli strikes in Lebanon, calls for end to violence

Ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue to claim civilian lives and destroy critical infrastructure, raising grave concerns about the protection of civilians, the UN Human Rights Office said on Tuesday, urging an end to the violence.

"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," said spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan at a UN press briefing in Geneva. "Among the victims are 14 women and 9 children. People remain gripped by fear, and over 92,000 are still displaced from their homes."

Al-Kheetan noted the recent escalation, including Israeli strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs for the first time since the ceasefire, which struck near two schools and killed two civilians on April 1. Another strike on April 3 destroyed a medical center in Naqoura and damaged two ambulances. Between April 4 and 8, further strikes reportedly killed at least six people.

"Israeli strikes on Lebanese territory have hit civilian infrastructure since the ceasefire, including residential buildings, medical facilities, roads and at least one café reportedly hit in Aita Al-Shaab," he said.

He also reported that five rockets, two mortars, and a drone have been launched from Lebanon into northern Israel, where tens of thousands remain displaced.

"The violence must stop immediately," he said, calling on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and investigate violations.

He added that all displaced people should be allowed to return safely and that unexploded remnants in southern Lebanon must be cleared. High Commissioner Volker Turk urges a transition from the current ceasefire to a permanent cessation of hostilities under Security Council Resolution 1701, he concluded.