Hezbollah’s Civilian Attacks and Ongoing Israel-Lebanon Conflict:…

Human Rights Watch reported that Hezbollah’s military operations between September and November 2024 endangered civilians in northern Israel. The failure to provide effective warnings and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas raises significant legal and ethical concerns. Concurrently, Israeli military actions in Lebanon have contributed to extensive civilian casualties. Calls for an international investigation into war crimes highlight the urgent need for accountability and adherence to humanitarian law.

Human Rights Watch has reported that between September and November 2024, Hezbollah did not take sufficient steps to protect civilians while conducting military operations in northern Israel. The group employed explosive weapons in densely populated areas without effectively alerting nearby civilians to the impending dangers. This failure to adhere to international humanitarian law raises serious concerns regarding the conduct of Hezbollah during this conflict.

The ongoing hostilities have resulted in significant civilian casualties, particularly due to Israeli military actions in Lebanon. Since a ceasefire was established on November 27, 2024, Israeli attacks have reportedly caused the deaths of at least 59 individuals in Lebanon. Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that deadly attacks by Israel do not justify Hezbollah’s endangerment of civilian lives through their own military actions.

Data from the Israeli military indicated that approximately 12,400 projectiles were launched from Lebanon towards Israel between October 2023 and October 2024, resulting in at least 30 deaths among Israeli civilians. Instances of alleged Hezbollah attacks, such as one that killed 12 children in Majdal Shams, bear witness to the tragic impact of the conflict. Despite claims by Israel of Hezbollah’s culpability, the organization denied responsibility for certain incidents, exacerbating the confusion and mistrust.

During this period, Hezbollah escalated its missile attacks, targeting civilian areas beyond designated evacuation zones. They issued evacuation warnings via Telegram, incorrectly categorizing several towns as legitimate military targets. However, under international law, insufficient warning does not meet the required standard of being “effective,” merely creating panic among civilians without ensuring their safety.

Hezbollah’s assaults have resulted in the loss of at least 15 civilian lives and numerous injuries. Many attacks occurred in areas that lacked prior evacuation warnings, further illustrating a disregard for civilian safety, as noted in reports compiled by Human Rights Watch. These events have paralyzed daily life in northern Israel, compelling mass evacuations and disrupting education for approximately 16,000 students.

The infrastructure in areas close to the border has also sustained considerable damage. Reports indicate that over 60% of buildings in Metula were destroyed, contributing to a humanitarian crisis facing evacuated residents like Galit Yousef, who lamented the destruction of her home. Similar devastation has been reported in other towns such as Manara, severely impacting community structures.

Human Rights Watch has raised alarms over possible war crimes committed by both Hezbollah and the Israeli military, noting a pattern of unlawful attacks on civilians, as well as the disproportionate use of force from Israel. Data released by Lebanon’s Health Ministry documented more than 17,000 injuries in Lebanon’s attacks, with a significant number of casualties consisting of children, health workers, and women.

The international community has both a moral and legal responsibility to support the establishment of an investigation into the conflict’s violations of international law. Samples from the recent hostilities underline the imperative for accountability to prevent further violations. International humanitarian law mandates that combatants must differentiate between military targets and civilians.

It is critical for engagements in populated regions to abide by the 2022 Declaration on Protecting Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences of the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. This agreement aims to minimize risk to civilian life in conflict zones. Sufficient measures must be taken to end the cycle of violence and impunity, as reiterated by Adam Coogle from Human Rights Watch, who stated that investigations into war crimes are essential for establishing accountability.

The situation along the Israel-Lebanon border remains dire, marked by significant civilian casualties and infrastructural destruction stemming from military actions by both Hezbollah and the Israeli military. The failure of Hezbollah to protect civilians and the indiscriminate nature of the attacks from both sides highlight a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law. Urgent action is required from the international community to initiate investigations into these violations and hold accountable those responsible for the suffering of countless civilians. The continuation of hostilities demands a reevaluation of military engagement strategies to ensure the safeguarding of civilian lives and the protection of human rights in conflict zones.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com