The United Nations has condemned attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, expressing alarm over mounting displacement and humanitarian needs caused by Israeli and U.S. air raids on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes.
UN human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani highlighted the devastation from a reported Saturday strike on a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, which allegedly killed and injured dozens of girls arriving for classes.
She described blood-stained schoolbags left behind as “absolutely horrific” and said the image captures the “destruction, despair, senselessness and cruelty of this conflict.”
Shamdasani stressed that attacks targeting civilians or civilian sites, as well as indiscriminate strikes, constitute “serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.”
She called for a “prompt, impartial and thorough investigation” into the Minab incident, with the onus on the attacking forces to make findings public and ensure accountability and redress for victims.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk was “deeply shocked” by the toll on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The rights office also raised concerns about intensified crackdowns inside Iran, urging authorities to protect fundamental freedoms amid reports of threats against dissenters and a nationwide internet shutdown limiting access to information.
The conflict has spread beyond Iran and Israel, affecting at least 12 other countries with damage to homes, businesses, airports, and energy facilities.
UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch warned of escalating displacement in Lebanon after Hezbollah joined the fighting, triggering Israeli airstrikes.
Heavy displacement has occurred in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, with Israel issuing evacuation notices to over 50 villages and carrying out widespread air raids.
By Monday, nearly 30,000 people were registered in collective shelters, with many others sleeping in vehicles or stranded while fleeing toward Beirut.
Media reports on Tuesday indicated Israeli troops had moved into southern Lebanon following Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel.
The UN World Food Programme’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Samer Jaber, cited disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, complicating maritime routes and driving up costs for humanitarian operations.
He said the agency is adapting by using supplier networks in Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, and Pakistan to support overland corridors.
