(MENAFN) The UN human rights office on Tuesday urged rapid and unbiased inquiries into a fatal Israeli attack on the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon, cautioning that the assault "may have violated international humanitarian law principles on the conduct of hostilities."

This call was issued as Israeli military actions in Lebanon intensify, occurring nearly one year after the agreed ceasefire.

According to OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan, "Almost a year since the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was agreed, we continue to witness increasing attacks by the Israeli military, resulting in the killing of civilians and destruction of civilian objects in Lebanon, coupled with alarming threats of a wider, intensified offensive.”

Al-Kheetan emphasized that Israeli operations have led to the deaths of no fewer than 127 civilians in Lebanon since the truce took effect on Nov. 27, 2024.

He underscored that last week’s offensive on the Ein el-Hilweh camp near Sidon was among the most lethal events recorded.

"At least 13 civilians, including 11 children, were killed and at least six civilians injured," he said, noting that "All the fatalities we have documented as a result of this strike were civilians, raising serious concerns that the Israeli military's attack may have violated international humanitarian law principles on the conduct of hostilities."

Al-Kheetan stressed the necessity of "prompt and impartial investigations into the Ein el-Hilweh strike, as well as all other incidents involving possible violations of international humanitarian law by all parties, both before and after the ceasefire," insisting that "those responsible must be held to account."

MENAFN25112025000045017167ID1110394415