UN Official Condemns Israeli Strikes on Lebanese Financial Institutions as Violations of International Humanitarian Law

GENEVA: Strikes by Israel on financial institutions in Lebanon have been declared illegal under international humanitarian law by a United Nations special rapporteur. The attacks, which targeted civilian economic infrastructure, have been criticized for potentially escalating violence and threatening civilian safety, according to a statement issued by the UN official. According to Kuwait News Agency, Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism, emphasized that the bombings breached the principle of distinguishing between civilian and military targets. "Bombing banks obliterates the distinction between civilian objects and military objectives," Saul explained, highlighting the fundamental role this distinction plays in safeguarding civilian lives during conflicts. He further remarked that such actions could lead to a "total war" scenario, endangering civilian populations. Saul underscored the tenets of international humanitarian law, which pr ohibit attacks on an adversary's economic or financial infrastructure, even if these indirectly support military activities. He reiterated that legitimate military objectives are those that directly contribute to military action and whose destruction provides a clear military benefit. In contrast, economic activities do not meet these criteria, he stated. The strikes represent a concerning escalation in the ongoing conflict in Lebanon over the past year, Saul reported. This period has seen over 2,400 fatalities and the displacement of 1.2 million people, further complicating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region.