GENEVA: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on Israel to end its occupation of large areas in southern Lebanon and halt the demolition of homes, warning that some of its actions could amount to war crimes.
During a visit to Lebanon, Türk met with government officials, civil society representatives, and people displaced by Israeli military operations, according to media reports.
He expressed concern over the extensive destruction of towns and villages and said that some Israeli actions in Lebanon could constitute violations of international humanitarian law and potentially amount to war crimes.
Türk also highlighted growing criticism from human rights organizations over the deaths of dozens of medical workers and journalists during the conflict.
The UN rights chief urged respect for international law and called for greater protection of civilians as tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border continue.
