At least 71 civilians have been killed by Israeli forces in Lebanon since a ceasefire agreement was reached late last year, the United Nations said on Tuesday.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), confirmed that the casualties include 14 women and nine children. He called for thorough investigations into “each and every military action where civilians are killed.”
The OHCHR also expressed alarm over recent Israeli strikes that have damaged civilian infrastructure. Among the incidents cited was an April 3 airstrike that destroyed a newly established medical facility operated by the Islamic Health Society in the southern Lebanese city of Naqoura.
While condemning civilian harm, the UN also acknowledged ongoing cross-border attacks. According to the Israeli military, at least five rockets, two mortars, and a drone have been launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel in recent weeks. Tens of thousands of Israeli residents remain displaced from northern border areas.
“The ceasefire must hold,” Al-Kheetan warned. “Any escalation risks destabilizing Lebanon, Israel, and the wider region.”
Later on Tuesday, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that an Israeli drone strike targeted a car in the southern town of Aitaroun, killing one person and injuring three others, including a child.
