OHCHR Warns of Rising Civilian Deaths in Lebanon Despite Ceasefire

Ahmed Emam

The UN Human Rights Office has raised alarm over escalating Israeli military attacks in Lebanon that have killed more than 120 civilians over the past year, despite the ceasefire agreed between Lebanon and Israel in November 2025.

Speaking in Geneva on Tuesday, Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said at least 127 civilians have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon between 27 November 2024 and 24 November 2025. He warned that the pattern of attacks, coupled with growing threats of a wider offensive, poses a serious risk of renewed large-scale conflict.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred last week when an Israeli strike hit the Ein El-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon, killing at least 13 civilians — including 11 children — and injuring at least six others. “All fatalities we have documented from this strike were civilians,” Al-Kheetan said, noting that the attack raises “serious concerns” of potential violations of international humanitarian law governing the conduct of hostilities.

The UN called for prompt, impartial investigations into the Ein El-Hilweh attack and all other incidents involving possible breaches of international humanitarian law by all parties, both before and after the ceasefire. “Those responsible must be brought to justice,” Al-Kheetan stressed.

Beyond civilian casualties, Israeli strikes have caused widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes, roads, factories and construction sites. The attacks have impeded reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon and slowed the return of internally displaced people. On 16 November, a strike on a cement and asphalt factory in the town of Ansar destroyed dozens of concrete mixers, cranes and fuel tanks, according to the UN.

More than 64,000 people — mostly from southern Lebanon — remain displaced. The UN also reported that Israel has begun building a wall that extends into Lebanese territory, rendering 4,000 square meters of land inaccessible and hindering residents’ right to return.

“All those internally displaced must be able to go back to their homes, and reconstruction should be supported, not hampered,” Al-Kheetan said.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire “in good faith,” stressing that a credible path toward a permanent cessation of hostilities is essential to protect civilians on both sides. “Accountability for violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be realized,” he said.