GENEVA — The United Nations has raised serious concerns that Israeli attacks on civilian areas in Lebanon may amount to war crimes, as violence continues to escalate across the region, according to Al Jazeera.
Speaking at a news briefing, a spokesperson for the UN human rights office said recent Israeli air strikes and ground operations have destroyed hundreds of homes, healthcare centers, and other civilian buildings, especially in the capital, Beirut, and nearby areas. The warning comes as the conflict widens, leaving civilians caught in the middle.
According to UN officials, at least 912 people, including more than 100 children, have been killed since early March. Thousands more have been injured. Among the victims are displaced families and health workers, some of whom were reportedly killed while sheltering in temporary camps.
The UN stressed that international humanitarian law requires all sides to clearly distinguish between military targets and civilians. “Deliberately attacking civilians or civilian structures is a war crime,” the spokesperson said, adding that extra protection must be given to vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, and medical staff.
The current wave of violence began after Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group backed by Iran, fired rockets into northern Israel. This followed a major escalation involving strikes linked to Iran. Since then, Israel has carried out widespread attacks, saying it is targeting Hezbollah positions. In response, Hezbollah has continued firing rockets and clashing with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
Beyond the battlefield, the humanitarian situation is worsening rapidly. Lebanese authorities say more than one million people have been forced to flee their homes. Many are now living in overcrowded shelters with limited access to food, clean water, and medical care.
Aid groups warn they are struggling to keep up with the growing crisis. Supplies are running low, and funding is not enough to meet the needs of those affected. Schools have closed, jobs have been lost, and daily life has been deeply disrupted.
The UN also warned that orders forcing civilians to leave their homes could violate international law. As the conflict continues, fears are growing that the suffering of civilians will only deepen.
