Israeli strikes kill 16 in southern Lebanon as UN opens international-law probe
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 16 people, according to local reports. The UN Human Rights Council said an investigation will be opened into possible international-law violations by all parties.
Lebanon's Ministry of Health said 16 people were killed and 47 wounded in overnight Israeli airstrikes in the Tyre, Bint Jbeil and Marjayoun areas. Three children and two health workers were among those killed, it said. Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said the strikes hit six separate civilian neighbourhoods.
The UN Human Rights Council, at a session in Geneva, said it would set up an independent commission of inquiry into possible international-law violations. The commission's teams will travel to Beirut next week, the Council said. UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti said additional personnel had been deployed at observation posts along the Blue Line.
Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Major General Daniel Hagari said the strikes targeted Hezbollah command centres. Deputy Hezbollah secretary general Sheikh Naim Qassem said in a televised address that "we will respond". EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said the strikes "could be unlawfully disproportionate".
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