UN: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said Israel’s military operations in Lebanon have caused widespread suffering to civilians and may amount to “war crimes”.
Speaking at a press conference in Beirut at the end of his four-day official visit, Türk said his office had documented “massive violations of international humanitarian law, some of which may amount to war crimes”.
According to a statement released by the UN Information Centre, he said Israel’s continued airstrikes, shelling and use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas had caused serious civilian casualties, widespread destruction and mass displacement.
He also announced that an independent and impartial assessment mission had begun collecting information and evidence on alleged violations by parties to the conflict since March 2.
Citing Lebanese authorities, he added that more than 4,300 people had been killed and more than 12,200 injured in Lebanon since March 2, including more than 135 health care workers, as well as many journalists and media workers.
Translated by Chhouk Bora
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