UN human rights office 'extremely worried' over tension between Lebanon, Israel

GENEVA

The UN human rights office on Friday said that it is "extremely worried" over the tension between Lebanon and Israel.

"We are extremely worried about the situation – with hundreds killed, thousands injured and tens of thousands displaced already, plus worrying rhetoric increasing too," spokesperson Ravina Shamdasan said in response to a question by Anadolu.

"We stress the need for de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities," Shamdasan said.

She urged a full investigation into any incident that involved civilian killing, calling it "crucial."

She added that the human rights office received "very worrying" reports of children, paramedics and journalists among those killed.

"We are seriously concerned about compliance with international humanitarian law – and remind the parties of their obligations," she said.

Tensions have risen along Lebanon's border with Israel amid cross-border attacks between Lebanese group Hezbollah and Israeli forces as Tel Aviv pressed ahead with its deadly offensive on Gaza, which has killed over 37,700 people since October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.