UN Experts Warn of Escalating Israel-Lebanon Conflict, Call for Immediate Cessation of Hostilities

The experts stressed that the situation is exacerbating instability across the region, particularly in Palestine, where the violence continues unabated.

UN experts expressed grave concerns today about the escalating armed conflict between Israel and Lebanon, warning that the violence risks engulfing the entire region in a humanitarian and geopolitical catastrophe. They condemned the indiscriminate missile attacks by Hezbollah and Israel's large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon, which have caused widespread civilian suffering and displacement.

The experts criticized Israel's military tactics, likening the destruction in Lebanon to the recent violence in Gaza. They condemned Israel's airstrikes in densely populated areas, which have leveled residential buildings and left civilians with unrealistically short evacuation orders, possibly constituting domicide under international law. Lebanese authorities report over 1,600 deaths, including UN staff and medical workers, and the displacement of more than 200,000 civilians.

Hezbollah's missile strikes have also caused death and injury in northern Israel, displacing thousands of civilians. The experts stressed that the situation is exacerbating instability across the region, particularly in Palestine, where the violence continues unabated.

The experts condemned the double standards in the international response, urging the UN Security Council to intervene immediately to prevent further escalation and to ensure the protection of civilians. They called for immediate ceasefire and a sustainable resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict, including the illegal occupation of Palestine and the arming of non-state actors.