The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed his shock on Tuesday over a deadly Israeli airstrike that occurred near Rafic Hariri Hospital in south Beirut on Monday, resulting in at least 18 fatalities, including four children. He called for a “prompt and thorough investigation” into the incident, which has drawn international concern.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the strike not only caused casualties but also injured approximately 60 others. Rescuers continued their search for survivors amid fears that the death toll could rise further. The hospital, the largest public health facility in Lebanon, sustained minor damage, with shattered windows and destroyed solar panels, according to its director. Nearby, four buildings were reported to have been flattened by the attack.
In a statement, Turk emphasized the need to respect the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, particularly concerning the protection of civilians. He reiterated that “all feasible precautions must be taken to avoid, and in any event to minimize, incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, and damage to civilian objects.”
Turk highlighted that hospitals, ambulances, and medical personnel are specifically protected under international humanitarian law due to their critical role in providing lifesaving care. He stressed that military operations conducted near healthcare facilities must carefully assess the expected impact on medical services, adhering to the principles of proportionality and precaution.
He insisted that any incidents affecting hospitals should be subject to immediate investigation. “I repeat the UN’s call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and remind all parties that the protection of civilians must be the absolute top priority,” Turk stated.
As hostilities continue in the region, Israel has intensified its focus on Lebanon, conducting airstrikes on Hezbollah positions and deploying ground troops since September 30. The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for nearly a year, has claimed at least 1,550 lives in Lebanon since September 23, according to figures from the Lebanese health ministry.
