UN experts accuse Israel of committing war crimes in Lebanon
Experts say Israeli operations have displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, devastated infrastructure, and raised serious concerns over war crimes
NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) — A group of United Nations human rights experts has accused Israel of committing widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law during its military offensive in Lebanon, warning that some of its actions could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In a joint statement, the six independent experts said Israel’s displacement orders in southern Lebanon closely resemble those issued during its genocide in Gaza.
They warned that large-scale forced displacement of civilians cannot be used to permanently empty populated areas or facilitate military occupation.
The experts said hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians have been forced from their homes since the escalation of hostilities, with many communities unable to return as homes have been destroyed and access to towns and villages remains restricted.
They reported that women and girls have been disproportionately affected by the conflict.
According to the experts, approximately 620,000 women and girls have been displaced since March 2026, including nearly 16,000 pregnant women, many of whom have been forced to give birth in overcrowded shelters with limited medical care.
The statement also highlighted severe damage to hospitals, attacks affecting healthcare services and disruptions to medical supply chains, leaving many women, newborns and vulnerable civilians without essential healthcare.
The experts said Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed more than 4,300 people in Lebanon between March 2 and July 17, including hundreds of women and children, while more than 12,000 others have been injured.
They noted that some attacks reportedly destroyed residential buildings and wiped out entire families.
The UN experts also expressed concern over reports alleging the use of white phosphorus munitions in populated residential areas, warning that such weapons can cause severe burns, respiratory injuries and long-term health consequences, particularly for children and pregnant women.
The experts said international humanitarian law requires all parties to take every possible precaution to protect civilians during armed conflict.
They argued that Israel’s military operations appear to violate the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, raising serious concerns that the conduct may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
They also condemned inflammatory rhetoric allegedly used by senior Israeli officials targeting Lebanese women, warning that language which dehumanizes civilians or encourages collective punishment is unlawful and risks inciting further violence.
The experts called on Israel and all parties involved in the conflict to comply with international law, fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and respect Lebanon’s sovereignty.
They noted that the special rapporteurs serve independently under the UN Human Rights Council and do not represent official UN staff.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
