The United Nations human rights office has called for a prompt and impartial investigation into Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, highlighting concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law nearly a year after a ceasefire was signed.

Deadly Attack on Ein El-Hilweh Camp

The UN cited a recent strike on the Ein El-Hilweh refugee camp near Sidon, which killed 13 civilians, including 11 children, and injured at least six others.

“All of those killed were civilians, raising serious concerns that the Israeli military’s attack may have violated international humanitarian law principles on the conduct of hostilities,” said Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Since the 27 November 2024 ceasefire, Israeli forces have killed more than 300 people in Lebanon, including approximately 127 civilians, according to UN reports. Israeli troops remain active in five areas of southern Lebanon, with near-daily air raids targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure.

Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure

Al-Kheetan noted that Israeli attacks have hit homes, roads, factories, and construction sites, hampering reconstruction efforts and preventing displaced families from returning. He highlighted a 16 November strike on a cement and asphalt factory in Ansar, which destroyed dozens of concrete mixers, cranes, and fuel tanks.

More than 64,000 people, mostly from southern Lebanon, remain displaced. Al-Kheetan also criticized Israel for constructing a wall that crosses into Lebanese territory, making 4,000 square meters inaccessible and further undermining the right of return for displaced families.

Escalation in Beirut

Tensions have risen following an Israeli strike in Beirut on Sunday that killed a senior Hezbollah commander, Haytham Ali Tabtabai, along with four others, and injured 28. Analysts view the attack as a major escalation, coming just days after Lebanon’s president announced that talks had been agreed to disarm Hezbollah under pressure from Israel and the United States.

Al-Kheetan urged all parties to observe the ceasefire in good faith, stressing that accountability for violations of international law is essential to protect civilians.

Context of Ongoing Conflicts

Israel continues military operations in Gaza, despite a US-brokered ceasefire with Hamas, killing more than 300 people since early October 2025, with a total of at least 69,733 deaths since October 2023. The escalation began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing over 1,100 people and taking more than 200 captives, prompting retaliatory strikes from both Israel and Hezbollah along the border.