UN Human Rights office ‘extremely alarmed’ by escalation of hostilities between Israel, Hezbollah in Lebanon

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights,Volker Trk, expressed profound alarm over the escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, calling on all parties to immediately cease violence and protect civilians. Shamdasani highlighted that yesterday marked one of the deadliest days of violence in years, with reports indicating at least 492 fatalities and 1,645 injuries resulting from a series of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry reported that among the deceased were 35 children, 58 women, and several medical workers. Roads in southern Lebanon are congested with individuals fleeing the violence. This recent surge in hostilities follows last week's deadly attacks involving pagers and two-way radios in Lebanon and Syria, alongside Hezbollah firing hundreds of rockets into Israel from Lebanese territory. International humanitarian law stipulates that all parties to an armed conflict must consistently distinguish between civilians and comba tants, as well as between civilian objects and military targets. The principle of proportionality must be observed to protect civilian populations and infrastructure. Shamdasani stated that incidents resulting in civilian casualties, including those of children and medical personnel, potentially violate international law and must be subjected to independent, thorough, and transparent investigations. UN High Commissioner Volker Trk has urged all states and influential actors in the region and beyond to prevent further escalation and ensure full compliance with international law. Source: National news agency - Lebanon