UN Human Rights Office Concerned Over Damage to Religious Buildings in Lebanon.

Beirut: The UN Human Rights Office has expressed deep concern over the impact of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) military operations on civilians and infrastructure in Lebanon, particularly highlighting the damage to religious buildings and the threat to other culturally significant sites. According to National news agency - Lebanon, since October 6, 2023, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the destruction or severe damage of at least ten religious buildings. These include mosques in Yaroun, Kfar Dunin, Maroun al Ras, Tayr Debba, Kfar Tibnit, Qantara, Blida, and Mijdal Salem. Additionally, a women's husseiniya in Mifdoon and a Melkite Greek Catholic church in Tyre were also affected. Further incidents included the destruction or damage of mosques in Abbasieh and Al-Dhaira on October 13, along with the reported destruction of the Om At-Tout Mosque in Tyre district on October 29. The UN Human Rights Office emphasized that the deliberate damage or destruction of religious buildings contravenes intern ational law. Recent attacks in Baalbek have also raised alarms as they neared the UNESCO-listed ancient temple complex. Under international humanitarian law, religious buildings and culturally significant sites are protected unless deemed military objectives, even then, attacks must adhere to proportionality and precaution principles. The destruction of these sites not only violates international law but also affects the rights to religious freedom and cultural heritage. The UN Human Rights Office urges all conflict parties to exercise extreme caution to prevent further damage to religious and culturally significant buildings, thereby preserving the historical and cultural identity of affected communities.