UN says Israeli actions in Lebanon may be war crimes

The United Nations human rights chief has accused Israel of committing large-scale violations of international humanitarian law in Lebanon, some of which may amount to war crimes, following a visit to the country. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk made the statement on Monday, July 27, 2026, in Beirut, citing widespread destruction, mass displacement, and ongoing civilian casualties despite a ceasefire agreement sealed in April.

Türk said his office has documented serious violations since Israel launched a new offensive in Lebanon on March 2, 2026, following Hezbollah attacks linked to regional tensions. According to figures from Lebanese authorities cited by Türk, more than 4,300 people have been killed and 12,200 injured in Lebanon since that date. The casualties include over 135 healthcare workers as well as journalists. Türk stated that continued Israeli airstrikes and ground operations are causing further deaths and injuries, and he called on the Israeli military to end its persistent shelling and demolitions in southern Lebanon.

The UN official described a landscape of compounded suffering, having visited a school sheltering around 1,000 displaced people and...