Human Rights Watch reported that Hezbollah failed to protect civilians between September and November 2024, using explosive weapons in populated areas. Concurrently, Israeli military actions have resulted in significant civilian casualties in Lebanon, demonstrating violations of international law by both parties. Calls for international investigations into these breaches emphasize the necessity for accountability and protection of civilian lives during conflicts.
Human Rights Watch reported that Hezbollah did not take sufficient precautions to safeguard civilians during the period from September to November 2024. The organization indicated that explosive weapons were used in densely populated regions of northern Israel, and effective warnings to civilians regarding potential attacks were absent. Israeli military actions have also been previously documented by Human Rights Watch, revealing apparent war crimes and unlawful attacks in Lebanon.
Following the ceasefire agreement on November 27, 2024, it has been noted that Israeli military actions resulted in the deaths of at least 59 individuals in Lebanon. “Deadly, unlawful attacks by the Israeli military in Lebanon don’t give Hezbollah a free pass to endanger civilians by firing explosive weapons into northern Israel,” stated Adam Coogle, Deputy Middle East Director at Human Rights Watch, emphasizing the need for an international investigation into the compliance of both groups with war laws.
Israeli military data released on October 6, 2024, indicated that around 12,400 projectiles were launched from Lebanon towards Israel from October 7, 2023, to October 2, 2024. These munitions caused at least 30 civilian deaths, with a specific attack on Majdal Shams resulting in the death of 12 children. Although Israel claimed Hezbollah was responsible for the attack, Hezbollah vehemently denied this. Reports show over 4,000 persons were killed in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes during the same period.
Hezbollah intensified its rocket attacks deeper into northern Israel from mid-September until November 27, 2024, impacting populated areas. Statements from Hezbollah suggest attacks on locations such as Delton, Kfar Vradim, and Kiryat Shmona, but without specific military targets cited. An evacuation warning issued on October 26 by Hezbollah was deemed inadequate under international law, as it did not provide sufficient warning for civilians to evacuate safely.
Casualties from Hezbollah’s attacks included at least 15 civilian deaths and numerous injuries, contrary to the evacuation warning’s intent. One father recounted the sorrow of discovering his son’s body following an October 31 attack. Hezbollah possesses a variety of missiles, and while their unguided artillery cannot precisely target individual structures, it can still pose significant risks to civilian areas.
Destruction to civilian infrastructure has been profound, with the Israeli military ordering evacuations of numerous villages close to the border with Lebanon, leading to over 60,000 civilians being displaced. Education has also suffered, with approximately 16,000 students evacuated, highlighting impacts on both daily life and academic activities in northern Israel, where many schools have sustained damage.
Significant structural damage to Israeli border towns has been reported, with areas like Metula and Manara experiencing overwhelming destruction. Victims of the conflict express despair over their losses and the dire conditions of their homes. Human Rights Watch previously documented numerous serious violations by the Israeli military, including attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers.
According to Lebanese health officials, the toll of the conflict is staggering, with over 17,000 injuries reported along with massive destruction to property and displacement of more than one million individuals. Amid these challenges, a call is made for an urgent international investigation into the violations of international law by both sides. International humanitarian law mandates that all parties in conflict must ensure the safety of civilians and make every effort to avoid civilian casualties during military operations.
Israel and Lebanon are encouraged to endorse the 2022 Declaration on Protecting Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. Adam Coogle cautioned about the ongoing cycle of abuse, insisting that accountability is essential to prevent further violations of international law. “There’s little hope that the cycle of abuses will end while the culture of impunity drags on,” he concluded.
In summary, both Hezbollah and the Israeli military face serious allegations regarding their compliance with international humanitarian law, particularly concerning the safety of civilians during conflicts. Human Rights Watch’s findings highlight the critical need for accountability through international investigation. The devastating impact on civilian life, ongoing displacement, and significant infrastructure damage necessitate immediate attention to prevent further violations and to uphold humanitarian standards. Therefore, it is imperative that regional powers and international bodies collaborate on measures to protect civilians and ensure legal adherence in conflict situations.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
