NEW YORK: Israel鈥檚 multiple bombings of a financial institution in Lebanon earlier this week were illegal attacks on civilian objects under international humanitarian law, an independent human rights expert said on Wednesday.

Ben Saul, the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, said that attacks on economic infrastructure are illegal 鈥渆ven if they indirectly sustain (the adversary鈥檚) military activities.鈥�

Ahead of the attack, Israel issued public warnings that it would strike the offices of Al-Qard Al-Hasan bank, which it claims finances Hezbollah.

The bank offers small interest-free loans and undertakes charitable activities. It has thousands of customers and multiple branches across Lebanon.

In armed conflict, only 鈥渕ilitary objectives鈥� whose destruction 鈥渙ffers a definite military advantage鈥� can be attacked, Saul said.

The economic activities of an adversary do not effectively contribute to military action, he added.

鈥淏ombing banks obliterates the distinction between civilian objects and military objectives which is fundamental to protecting civilians from violence. It opens the door to 鈥榯otal war鈥� against civilian populations, where fighting is no longer limited to attacking militarily dangerous targets,鈥� the expert said. 鈥淪uch attacks jeopardize the right to life.鈥�

Saul warned that international counterterrorism law does not authorize military attacks to prevent alleged terrorist financing or money laundering.

鈥淏ombing banks is not a lawful solution to the challenges of financial crime and regulation,鈥� he said.

To suppress terrorist financing, states should instead resort to administrative and criminal law measures, Saul added.

The attacks were the latest escalation of violence in Lebanon over the past year, with more than 2,400 people killed and 1.2 million displaced, according to the UN.

Saul joined other UN officials in calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.