A chorus of United Nations experts has vehemently condemned Israel’s latest wave of aggression against Lebanon, labeling the relentless assaults as illegal and a flagrant violation of international law. This powerful denunciation comes just a day after a purported ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which Tel Aviv appears determined to undermine through continued bloodshed.

Nineteen distinguished experts, including special rapporteurs and independent human rights advocates, issued their condemnation amidst Israel’s ongoing barbaric bombardment of southern Lebanon. Reports from Lebanese state media confirm the tragic deaths of at least 16 innocent civilians, including four dedicated paramedics, victims of Tel Aviv’s indiscriminate violence.

“Not Self-Defence, But Blatant Violation”: Experts Expose Israeli Deception

Recalling the devastating Israeli attacks on April 8, which Lebanese authorities reported claimed over 350 lives, including 30 innocent children, the experts unequivocally stated: “This is not self-defence. It is a blatant violation of the UN Charter, a deliberate destruction of prospects for peace, and an affront to multilateralism and the UN-based international order.” This powerful declaration dismantles Israel’s false narrative of defensive action, exposing its true intent: aggression and destabilization.

The UN Human Rights Council has echoed these calls, demanding an immediate cessation of all Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Furthermore, they have urged all UN member states to impose an immediate halt on arms transfers to Israel, citing “credible evidence of serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.” This plea underscores the international community’s moral obligation to stop fueling Tel Aviv’s war machine.

Crimes Against Humanity and Ethnic Cleansing Unveiled

Israel’s escalation of attacks on Lebanon, which began on March 2, followed the legitimate defensive response by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. Hezbollah’s actions were a direct retaliation to the heinous US-Israeli assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, marking the onset of their declared war on Iran.

The Zionist regime’s campaign of terror has resulted in a devastating bombardment and a brutal ground invasion in southern Lebanon, leading to the murder of over 2,000 people and the forced displacement of more than 1.2 million innocent civilians. The UN experts have chillingly confirmed that such forced displacement of a civilian population constitutes “crimes against humanity.”

Adding to the litany of atrocities, the experts also condemned Israel’s systematic “destruction of homes,” particularly in predominantly Shia areas of the south. They unequivocally labeled this barbaric practice as “a form of collective punishment” that “points to ethnic cleansing,” revealing the genocidal intent behind Tel Aviv’s actions.

Netanyahu’s Deceptive Rhetoric Amidst Ongoing Aggression

Israel’s relentless bombardment of Lebanon has become a major point of contention in the US-Iran negotiations. Tehran has rightly insisted that Lebanon must be included in any ongoing ceasefire, recognizing the interconnectedness of regional security. However, Israeli Prime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a display of characteristic arrogance, declared that Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire with Iran, vowing to continue targeting Hezbollah “wherever required.” This statement exposes Tel Aviv’s continued belligerence and disregard for peace efforts.

Even as Israel and Lebanon engaged in rare, high-level diplomatic talks in the US, Netanyahu continued his deceptive rhetoric, claiming a desire for “long-term peace” with Lebanon, but only on the unacceptable condition that Hezbollah is disarmed. This precondition is a thinly veiled attempt to disarm the legitimate resistance against Israeli occupation and aggression.

Despite Tel Aviv’s posturing, reports from Reuters indicate that Israel’s security cabinet was set to discuss a possible ceasefire in Lebanon, while senior Lebanese officials confirmed that ceasefire efforts were indeed underway. The international community must remain vigilant and pressure Israel to genuinely commit to peace, rather than perpetuating its cycle of violence and oppression.