Annan: Probe civilian deaths

2006-08-08 23:45

New York - Attacks that killed civilians in both Lebanon and Israel should be fully investigated as possible violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Tuesday.

Annan told the UN security council that the current war between Israel and Hezbollah had affected both Israeli and Lebanese civilians to a degree that requires further investigation.

"I have repeatedly condemned all actions that target civilians, and I again call on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, and in particular to take all necessary precautions to spare civilian life and property," he said.

Annan's remarks were made following publication at UN headquarters in New York of a report on a July 30 Israeli airstrike against the Lebanese town of Qana, where dozens of civilians - including numerous children - were killed.

The 15-nation security council condemned the Qana airstrike and demanded an investigation.

Pattern of violations

Annan said that the attack against Qana should be taken in a "broader context" in the Middle East conflict, which - based on eyewitnesses and preliminary information obtained by the UN - would show a pattern of violations of international law committed during the current hostilities.

Israel said it bombed Qana because it was a centre for Hezbollah, had large stores of weapons and was a "haven for fleeing terrorists and the source of over 150 missiles launched into northern Israel".

Beirut said that 28 bodies had been found in Qana since the Israeli raid, including 14 children.

The Lebanese Red Cross Society said there were 19 children among the 28 dead.

Recovery efforts were still underway, and the number of dead may rise, the UN said.

The UN said that the civilian death toll through Saturday was 933 Lebanese and 35 Israelis. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA