By Beyza Binnur Donmez
GENEVA (AA) - The UN human rights experts on Friday voiced alarm over continued Israeli air and drone strikes in Lebanon, saying the attacks have caused mounting civilian casualties and widespread destruction despite a ceasefire agreed on Nov. 27.
"Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to strike Lebanese territory almost daily," the experts said in a statement. "These attacks have resulted in a mounting toll of civilian deaths and injuries and destruction and damage of infrastructure, housing, the environment and agricultural zones vital to civilian livelihoods."
The experts urged all parties to fully adhere to the cessation of hostilities and called for independent investigations and accountability for all violations of international law.
According to the UN human rights office, 108 civilians have been verified killed in Lebanon since the ceasefire, including 21 women and 16 children, while at least 19 civilians have reportedly been abducted by Israeli soldiers in the south. The Lebanese Armed Forces have documented almost daily violations, and Israel has acknowledged more than 500 airstrikes targeting what it says are Hezbollah positions.
The experts also noted that over 80,000 people remain displaced in Lebanon, unable to return to their homes. They condemned the Oct. 11 airstrikes, which killed one person, injured seven, and destroyed hundreds of vehicles and homes.
"All violations must be promptly and independently investigated and perpetrators brought to justice," they said, urging Israel to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and to withdraw from occupied areas in southern Lebanon in line with Security Council resolution 1701.