International

UN Demands Urgent Investigation Into Israeli Strike In Northern Lebanon

Published

2 months ago

Oct 16, 2024.

Dennis

The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday called for a “prompt, independent, and thorough investigation” into an Israeli strike that hit the northern Lebanese village of Aito, which it reported resulted in the deaths of 22 civilians.

“What we’re hearing is that among the 22 people who were killed were 12 women and two children,” UN rights office spokesman Jeremy Laurence told reporters about Monday’s strike, which he said appeared to have hit a four-story residential building.

“With these factors in mind we have real concerns with respect to… the laws of war and the principles of distinction, proportion and proportionality,” he said.

“Our office calls for a prompt, independent and thorough investigation into this incident.”

EDITOR’S PICKS

Since Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in September, its numerous strikes have predominantly targeted Shia Muslim regions in the south, where Hezbollah has established its stronghold.

An AFP photographer present at the site of Monday’s attack in the north reported that a residential building at the entrance of a predominantly Christian village was destroyed.

Body parts were scattered amidst the debris, and Red Cross volunteers worked tirelessly to search for survivors while ambulances transported the injured.

For nearly a year, Hezbollah has engaged in cross-border fire with Israel, asserting that its actions are a response to Israel’s extensive ground and air operations in Gaza.

This conflict in Gaza escalated following a surprise assault by Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, which launched an attack from Gaza into Israel on October 7, 2023.