United Nations experts have issued a stark condemnation of Israel’s continued military actions in South Lebanon, calling on the Israeli government to immediately halt its deadly assault on civilians returning to their homes. The statement, issued today, underscores grave concerns over the systematic destruction of homes, the killing of civilians, and ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
Since the ceasefire came into effect on November 27, 2024, at least 57 Lebanese civilians have been killed and over 260 properties destroyed. The ceasefire agreement required Israeli forces to fully withdraw from South Lebanon within 60 days, but as of the end of January 2025, Israeli troops have remained in the region, continuing military operations that target civilians, destroy infrastructure, and forcibly displace communities.
“The violence against civilians and the deliberate destruction of their homes, agricultural lands, and critical infrastructure during this period of supposed ceasefire is unconscionable,” the UN experts said in their statement.
Following the expiration of the initial deadline for withdrawal on January 26, 2025, civilians trying to return to their homes were met with violence. On that day, Israeli troops opened fire on returning Lebanese civilians, resulting in 24 deaths and at least 120 injuries. Despite a new deadline set for February 18, 2025, Israeli forces have escalated their attacks, causing additional casualties. In the first four days of February alone, at least two more civilians were killed, and another 80 were injured.
The UN experts highlighted that such actions are a clear violation of international law, including the prohibition of unlawful killings and the destruction of property left behind by displaced persons. Under international law, displaced civilians have the right to return to their homes in safety and dignity, without facing further harm.
“The continued targeting of civilians, the demolitions of homes, and the destruction of farmland and critical infrastructure are not just violations of international human rights, but also a direct assault on the humanitarian efforts to provide a solution to displacement,” the experts added.
In addition to the killings and destruction, the UN experts expressed concern over the ongoing threats posed by unexploded ordnance, the use of white phosphorus munitions, and the widespread booby-trapping of homes in South Lebanon. These practices have rendered many residential areas and agricultural lands unsafe for civilians attempting to return, prolonging the displacement crisis and preventing recovery.
The experts also criticized Israel’s restrictions on the free movement of Lebanese citizens, which has prevented many from returning to their homes and villages across South Lebanon. They called for an immediate end to these restrictions and for full access to all towns and villages for civilians.
“Israel’s continued military presence and hostile actions in South Lebanon have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis,” the experts said. “These violations must end immediately. The safety and rights of civilians must be prioritized, and international law must be upheld.”
The UN experts are calling for the immediate and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied territories in Lebanon, an end to all ceasefire violations, and compensation or reparations for the destruction of property that cannot be restored. They also urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for these violations and ensure that the rights of displaced persons are respected.
These latest concerns come in the wake of earlier criticisms issued by UN experts about severe violations of international humanitarian law during the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which has resulted in widespread civilian casualties, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and forced displacement. The conflict has also severely impacted access to essential services like healthcare and education, while causing environmental degradation.
