UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk accused Israel of large-scale rights violations in Lebanon that may amount to war crimes, calling on Sunday for an end to the occupation of southern Lebanon and the demolition of homes.
Touring a school sheltering roughly 1,000 displaced people, Türk said persistent air strikes, artillery, and explosive weapons in densely populated areas have killed many civilians, leaving entire villages south of the Litani River destroyed or uninhabitable. Lebanese authorities say more than 4,300 people have been killed and 12,200 wounded since March 2, including 135 health workers. Türk also noted that Hezbollah rockets fired into Israel have killed civilians and damaged infrastructure.
Lebanese and Israeli officials are set to hold direct talks in Rome following a June 26 framework deal outlining Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah's disarmament. Hezbollah has rejected the talks and refused to disarm. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned that Israel's continued military presence may undermine the agreement.