UN Human rights chief calls attacks on communication device in Lebanon potential war crimes

NEW YORK CITY: The United Nations declared on Friday that the recent detonation of handheld communication devices alleged to have been used by Hezbollah in Lebanon constitutes a violation of international law and could constitute a war crime.

Blasts on Tuesday and Wednesday killed at least 37 people and injured over 3,000 in crowded civilian areas. Hezbollah has immediately blamed the violence on Israel, which so far has not reacted.

The UN high commissioner for human rights described such attacks as a troubling new tactic in warfare where communication tools are weaponized against civilians, with devastating repercussions. “It is a war crime to commit violence intended to spread terror among civilians,” he said in remarks to the UN Security Council. “I urge an independent investigation for those responsible for such attacks.”.

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, warning that with the increasingly tense situation, a regional conflict between Israel and Iran-backed groups may erupt. She urged the parties to reaffirm their commitment to diplomacy while respecting resolution 1701 of the Security Council, which calls for a cessation of hostilities.

The Slovenian UN representative, Samuel Zbogar further said that he had serious concerns regarding the increasing use of violence in the region.  He said there was already a great deal of legal obligation, and respect for these should be adhered to.
He stressed civilians being exposed and the weaponization of civilian objects and called on maximum restraint by all actors on the ground.
The US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, Robert Wood reiterates that every party should uphold international humanitarian law.  Every effort should be made to avoid harm to civilians.