Geneva, March 6 (QNA) - The United Nations on Friday called for a swift and thorough investigation into Israeli airstrikes targeting Lebanon to determine whether they comply with international humanitarian law.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said the devastating impact of the renewed conflict is increasingly evident, with civilians bearing a heavy toll.
She stressed the need for prompt and impartial investigations to determine whether the attacks complied with the principles of distinction between military targets and civilians, proportionality in the use of force, and precautions aimed at minimizing harm to civilians.
Shamdasani also pointed to reports of civilian casualties and damage to homes and civilian infrastructure resulting from the airstrikes.
She warned that broad evacuation orders issued in some areas of Lebanon could risk leading to forced displacement and further worsening the humanitarian situation.
The UN human rights office reiterated that the protection of civilians remains a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law and called on all parties to avoid attacks on civilian infrastructure and to strictly adhere to the laws governing armed conflict. (QNA)