Lebanon: UN experts alarmed by killings, displacement and gender-specific harm as Israel escalates hostilities

GENEVA – UN experts* today denounced systematic and widespread violations of international humanitarian and international human rights law during Israel's war of aggression on Lebanon, warning that civilians are bearing a devastating and disproportionate toll.

“Israel’s issuance of immediate ‘displacement orders’ is reminiscent of those used by Israel in Gaza against the civilian population,” the experts said.

Credible reports indicate that civilians have been forcibly displaced and tens of thousands prevented from returning to their homes in parts of southern Lebanon, as residential areas are demolished, dozens of towns and villages remain inaccessible, and additional Lebanese territory is occupied by Israel.

"Evacuation is an exceptional and strictly temporary measure. It may only be used to protect the safety of civilians or for imperative military reasons, not to depopulate and occupy areas. Civilians have the right to return voluntarily and safely to their homes once the circumstances justifying their displacement have ceased.”

An estimated 620,000 women and girls have been displaced since March 2026, including around 16,000 pregnant women, many reportedly giving birth in overcrowded and unsafe conditions, without appropriate maternity care. The destruction of health facilities, targeting of medical staff, closure of maternity services and disruption of essential services have left women and girls without adequate healthcare, protection or support, particularly pregnant and lactating women as well as newborn children.

“Forced displacement has exposed women and girls to heightened risks of violence and abuse, while the destruction of health care services has deprived many of essential reproductive and maternal health care,” the experts said. “International human rights law requires these rights to be protected, including during armed conflict.”

As of the 17 July 2026 and since the escalation of hostilities on 2 March 2026, more than 4,300 people have reportedly been killed by Israel in Lebanon, including at least 392 of women and 253 children in attacks on residential buildings that killed entire families and targeted health workers. More than 12,000 people have been injured during the same period, including more than 1,450 women and 1,036 children.

The experts expressed alarm over allegations that prohibited white phosphorus munitions, fired by artillery, were used over residential areas – exposing civilians to severe burns, respiratory injuries, and potentially long-term health risks, particularly for pregnant women and children.

“Parties to a conflict are required to take all feasible precautions in the choice of means and methods of warfare and in the conduct of attacks to avoid, and in any event minimise, incidental civilian harm,” they said.

The experts stated they were alarmed at Israel’s deliberate disregard for the specific needs and protections owed to civilians in times of conflict. “The protection of civilians, including women and girls, in times of war is not optional for any warring party – including Israel. It is a legal obligation that must be urgently upheld.”

“Taken together, Israel’s military actions constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and its principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack, as well as the prohibition on indiscriminate attacks, and may also amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity,” the experts said.

They also expressed serious alarm over reported public statements by senior Israeli officials specifically targeting Lebanese women, particularly mothers. "Rhetoric that dehumanises women on the basis of being Lebanese and female, legitimises collective punishment or incites violence is particularly dangerous, illegal and unacceptable."

The experts called on Israel and all other parties to comply fully with international law, implement Security Council resolution 1701 and the 2024 cessation of hostilities arrangement and respect Lebanon's sovereignty.