United Nations human rights experts have called on the United States to leverage its significant influence over Israel to halt ongoing military strikes in Lebanon, warning that continued attacks could escalate regional instability and deepen the humanitarian crisis.
In a statement issued, the UN Human Rights Council’s group of independent experts said Washington “has both the capacity and responsibility” to press Israel to cease hostilities that have reportedly caused civilian casualties and widespread destruction in southern Lebanon.
The experts expressed alarm over reports of civilian infrastructure being targeted, including residential neighborhoods and medical facilities, which they said may constitute violations of international law. “The right to life and human dignity must be protected irrespective of borders or alliances,” the statement read.
They also urged immediate international diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, whose cross-border clashes have intensified in recent weeks. The UN panel stressed that failure to act could undermine broader efforts toward peace and stability across the Middle East.
U.S. officials have not yet responded publicly to the UN experts’ appeal. The Trump administration, however, has previously defended Israel’s right to self-defense while calling for restraint to minimize civilian harm.
