Lebanon. The use of civilian communication devices as weapons represents a new and dangerous escalation in modern warfare, the UN human rights chief warned Friday, following deadly explosions in Lebanon that reportedly targeted civilians using pagers, radios, and other electronic equipment. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that such attacks violate international human rights law.

Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Türk called for an independent and transparent investigation into the two attacks in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday that left 37 dead and over 3,400 injured.

"Those who ordered and carried out these attacks must be held accountable," Türk said.

Lebanon has accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks, allegedly aimed at Hezbollah militants but also resulting in significant civilian casualties, including children. Hezbollah, known for its frequent conflicts with Israel, has been conducting near-daily strikes against Israel in support of Hamas since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

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When asked by reporters about the allegations, Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon did not confirm responsibility but said, "We will do everything we can to target those terrorists to minimize casualties for civilians."

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib condemned Israel, accusing it of terrorizing civilians by turning everyday communication devices into deadly weapons. Holding up a photo of a bloodied hand, Bouhabib urged the council to condemn Israel, referencing a deleted tweet by an adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that appeared to support the attacks.

Danon, in turn, criticized Bouhabib for omitting Hezbollah from his statements, describing the Lebanese people as "trapped in the grip of this terrorist organization."

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Bouhabib warned that failure to condemn the attacks could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to the use of similar methods in terrorizing civilians globally.

Türk reiterated that these attacks not only breach international human rights law but also violate international humanitarian law by failing to distinguish between civilians and combatants. He warned that the weaponization of seemingly harmless devices constitutes a war crime.

"Let me be clear — this method of warfare may be new and unfamiliar, but international humanitarian and human rights law apply regardless and must be upheld," Türk stated.

The UN meeting highlighted increasing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border amid ongoing violence in Gaza. Israel’s Danon blamed Hezbollah and Iran for provoking the conflict, while Iran's Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani insisted that Israel bore full responsibility for the attacks.

UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, urging all parties to show restraint and calling for a return to the cessation of hostilities that existed prior to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

"The region is on the brink of catastrophe," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric warned, stressing the urgent need for a diplomatic solution.

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