In a powerful appeal on Thursday, UN human rights experts urged Israel to respect the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. The experts further denounced the continuous suffering of civilian South Lebanese since Israel should immediately cease housing demolitions, guarantee the safety of returning civilians, and pull out its military troops completely from the area.
The ceasefire, which came into effect on November 27, 2024, was intended to bring an end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The agreement included a clear stipulation for Israel to withdraw all military forces from South Lebanon within 60 days. However, the experts have expressed grave concern over Israel’s actions since the ceasefire was implemented, noting the continuing toll on innocent civilians and the failure to meet the terms of the agreement.
“We are gravely concerned about the continuing toll on civilians in Lebanon,” the experts stated in a joint statement. Since the ceasefire began operations 57 civilian deaths together with 260 destroyed properties have occurred during the initial sixty-day period.
The experts highlighted that although a ceasefire was meant to lead to peace the region remained battle-ridden and destructive. The date for complete Israeli withdrawal on January 26 expired while withdrawal remained incomplete. Civilians attempting to access their homes near Israeli-occupied areas received fatal gunfire from soldiers which resulted in the deaths of 24 persons and caused 120 more injuries.
The experts revealed their concern regarding intensified violent actions which target civilians attempting to return home since Israeli security forces maintain their deadly response to displaced civilian returns. The violation of civilian safety and dignity rights represents a flagrant breach of rights because it occurred after a ceasefire meant to end violence.
Violence remains active even though Israeli forces now have until February 18, 2025 to finish their military withdrawal. During the time before February 18 two Lebanese civilians lost their lives while clashes resulting in injuries among 80 people occurred between Israeli soldiers and locals who attempted to recover their residences and farming areas. Experts declared their condemnation against the ongoing violations because they rejected these breaches of the humanitarian principles established by the ceasefire.
“We are outraged that the killing of civilians and the systematic destruction of housing, agricultural land and other critical infrastructure in South Lebanon has continued under the ceasefire agreement,” the statement said. “This is not the peace that the people of Lebanon were promised, and it is deeply troubling such violations are allowed to continue unimpeded despite efforts from the international community to protect civilian lives.”
Destruction of homes and infrastructure has left numerous Lebanese families displaced and deprived of basic needs, adding to an existing humanitarian crisis. The damage to crops, in particular, puts many families in danger, as agricultural work is their main income.
The experts said Israel should now abide by the ceasefire and withdraw its forces completely from South Lebanon based on international law. They also urged the international community to hold all those who work to violate human rights responsible for their actions and to ensure that the safety and dignity of civilians are respected in the post-conflict period.
The people of South Lebanon await the time when peace will be a reality in the region, as restrictions and siege on the area continues until the Israeli withdrawal date. In calling for action, the experts reiterated which there is a need to the protection of civilians the inclusion of long-term stability in the region through ceasefire agreement.
