BEIRUT — Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday killed at least 17 people, according to Lebanese health officials, as the United Nations Human Rights Council launched an investigation into potential violations of international humanitarian law.
The strikes targeted the town of Khiam and surrounding areas, hitting residential neighborhoods during the early morning hours. Lebanese rescue teams recovered bodies from collapsed buildings, with dozens more reported injured in the attack.
The Israeli military confirmed operations in the area, stating they were targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and weapons storage facilities. However, local residents reported that the strikes hit civilian areas with no apparent military targets nearby.
UN officials confirmed that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is reviewing the incident. The agency has repeatedly warned about civilian casualties in cross-border exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the strikes in a televised address, calling it a "war crime against Lebanese civilians." The group has been exchanging fire with Israeli forces across the border since October 2023.
The Lebanese government summoned the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon to brief on the investigation's scope. International calls for restraint have intensified as cross-border violence escalates.
Sources: AP, Reuters
