The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for an independent, comprehensive, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the mass explosions in Lebanon and Syria, and for accountability for those who ordered and carried out such assaults.
In a statement on Wednesday, Türk added that the explosions, which occurred widely and simultaneously yesterday in both Lebanon and Syria, resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, including two children, and caused thousands of others to suffer serious injuries due to the explosion of pagers. He described the impact on civilians as extremely shocking and unacceptable.
During these highly turbulent times, the international official appealed to all influential states in the region and beyond to take immediate measures to prevent the conflict from expanding further. The region has already seen enough horrors and suffering on a daily basis.
Türk emphasized that it is time for leaders to defend the rights of all people to live in peace and security, and that the protection of civilians must remain the highest priority. He stressed that it is now more important than ever to put an end to the escalation.
He noted that the simultaneous targeting of thousands of individuals, whether civilians or members of armed groups, without knowing who had the targeted devices, their locations, and surroundings at the time of the attack, violates international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The recent attack by Israel against Hezbollah targeted pager devices used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon, causing significant casualties and damaging their communication networks. This series of simultaneous explosions killed at least 12 people and injured around 2,800. The attacks appear to be part of an escalating confrontation, with Israel preparing for potentially broader military operations. Israel has articulated that halting Hezbollah’s attacks is now a central war goal, aimed at allowing displaced residents in northern Israel to return to their homes. These developments follow a backdrop of ongoing tensions and exchanges of fire in the region.
