GENEVA - UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned on Wednesday the massive wave of Israeli strikes across Lebanon, saying reports that hundreds - including civilians - had been killed and injured are appalling.
"The scale of the killing and destruction in Lebanon today is nothing short of horrific," said the High Commissioner. "Such carnage, within hours of agreeing to a ceasefire with Iran, defies belief. It places enormous pressure on a fragile peace, which is so desperately needed by civilians."
Israel said it had carried out some 100 strikes across the country within 10 minutes. The southern suburbs of Beirut, southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley were all reportedly struck. Mass casualties have been reported, and hospitals overwhelmed. A UN Human Rights team at the site of one of the strikes in the capital described a scene of devastation, and seeing several dead bodies amid the rubble.
In the south, an overnight Israeli strike on a building in front of Hiram Hospital in Al-Aabbassiye, near Tyre, reportedly killed four people and damaged the hospital. Another attack hit an ambulance of the Islamic Health Authority in Qlaileh, reportedly killing three.
"International humanitarian law spells out clearly that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected," he said.
"Each and every attack must comply with international humanitarian law fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions to protect civilians," Türk added. "These principles are non-negotiable, and must always be respected, whatever the circumstances of armed conflict.
"There must be prompt and independent investigations into all alleged violations, and those responsible brought to justice."
Prior to Wednesday's attacks, the Lebanese authorities had reported that over 1,500 people, including over 200 women and children, had been killed by Israeli attacks since 2 March 2026, and over a million people displaced. Between 2 March and 7 April, missile and drone attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel resulted in two civilian deaths and damages to residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure and property, as well as displacement from impacted areas. The High Commissioner condemns and deplores all such attacks, and urges both parties to end them immediately.
Israel has issued warnings and displacement orders covering approximately 14 percent of Lebanon, including the whole region south of the Zahrani river, most of Beirut's southern suburbs and parts of the Beqaa region. In recent weeks, the Israeli military has also demolished scores of homes and shops in Lebanese villages near the southern border.
"The scale of such actions, coupled with statements by Israeli officials indicating an intention to occupy or even annex parts of southern Lebanon, are deeply troubling," said the High Commissioner.
"The international community must act quickly to help bring an end to this nightmare," he said. "Efforts to bring peace to the wider region will remain incomplete as long as the Lebanese people are living under continuing fire, forcibly displaced, and in fear of further attacks."
