BEIRUT (AP) — The United Nations’ human rights chief said Monday that Israel should withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon and stop demolishing homes, days before Lebanese and Israeli officials are scheduled to hold another round of direct talks.

Volker Türk spoke to The Associated Press at the end of a visit to Lebanon, where he met with government officials, civil society representatives and people displaced by the conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

The visit comes ahead of talks expected next week in Rome between Lebanese and Israeli officials on implementing a framework agreement reached June 26. The agreement calls for the deployment of Lebanese military forces in southern Lebanon, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has rejected the direct talks and says it will not disarm.

Türk said the demolition of homes in southern Lebanon raises concerns under international humanitarian law and should be investigated.

“Demolition of this type raises huge flags about compliance with international humanitarian law,” Türk said.

Israel has said its military operations target Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure, accusing the group of operating from civilian areas. Israeli officials have said troops in southern Lebanon uncovered weapons caches and tunnel networks used by Hezbollah.

The latest conflict began after Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel following U.S.-Israeli military strikes linked to escalating regional tensions involving Iran. Israel responded with an air campaign and a ground operation in Lebanon. Lebanese officials say more than 4,000 people were killed and about 1.2 million displaced during the fighting. Israeli forces remain deployed in parts of southern Lebanon.

Türk also met with investigators from his office examining attacks that occurred during the conflict.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who met with Türk on Monday, said Lebanon remains committed to the agreement but said Israel’s continued military presence and demolition of structures could complicate its implementation.

According to Aoun’s office, Lebanon “will not accept ongoing violations” of the agreement.

The framework agreement also includes a provision under which both sides would refrain from pursuing legal claims related to the conflict, a measure that has drawn criticism from some groups in Lebanon.

Türk also called for civilians displaced by the conflict to be able to return safely to their homes.

He said he had requested permission from Israeli authorities to conduct a similar visit to Israel but had not received a response. Israel was among the countries that voted against his reappointment to a second term at the United Nations General Assembly.