The UN human rights office said yesterday that at least 127 civilians had been killed in Lebanon in strikes by the Israel military since a ceasefire nearly a year ago, and called for an investigation and for the truce to be respected.

"Almost a year since the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was agreed, we continue to witness increasing attacks by the Israeli military, resulting in the killing of civilians and destruction of civilian objects in Lebanon, coupled with alarming threats of a wider, intensified offensive," said Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, at a Geneva press briefing.

He said the number included deaths it had verified based on its own strict methodology but that the real level could be higher.

But Kheetan told reporters in Geneva "all the fatalities we have documented as a result of this strike were civilians, raising serious concerns that the Israeli military's attack may have violated international humanitarian law principles on the conduct of hostilities".

"There must be prompt and impartial investigations into the Ain El-Hilweh strike, as well as all other incidents involving possible violations of international humanitarian law by all parties, both before and after the ceasefire," he insisted.

"Those responsible must be brought to justice." Asked who should carry out the investigations, he said: "When we're talking about strikes conducted by the Israeli military, the Israeli military should investigate its own actions.

"Of course, the Lebanese state has the responsibility to investigate similar violations that can occur from its side."

Kheetan highlighted that continuing Israeli attacks in Lebanon had also destroyed and damaged civilian infrastructure. "They have also severely hampered reconstruction efforts and attempts by internally displaced people to go back to their homes in southern Lebanon," he said.