Hezbollah has come under scrutiny from Human Rights Watch for failing to protect civilians in attacks conducted from September to November 2024, with claims of using explosive weapons indiscriminately. Israeli retaliation has resulted in thousands of casualties in Lebanon, underscoring a complex humanitarian crisis. Both Hezbollah and Israel’s actions require scrutiny under international law, with calls for investigations and improved measures to protect civilian lives.
Human Rights Watch reported that Hezbollah did not adequately protect civilians during the attacks from September to November 2024, using explosive weapons in populated areas of northern Israel without effectively warning civilians. They stated that actions taken by Hezbollah must still comply with international law, especially following Israel’s military actions which resulted in numerous casualties in Lebanon.
Between October 7, 2023, and October 2, 2024, Israeli authorities documented around 12,400 projectiles fired from Lebanon, resulting in at least 30 civilian fatalities. The Israeli military reported striking operations that led to over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon since the conflict escalated, highlighting the severity of casualties on both sides.
During this period, Hezbollah increased the range of their rocket attacks, impacting civilian areas beyond designated evacuation zones. They issued evacuation warnings on October 26 for several towns, which were deemed ineffective under international law due to insufficient time given for civilians to evacuate safely.
Human Rights Watch’s data indicated that Hezbollah’s attacks resulted in at least 15 civilian deaths and numerous injuries, further complicating the humanitarian situation in northern Israel. Reports highlighted individual tragedies, including a victim’s father finding his son deceased after an attack, showcasing the human cost of the conflict.
While Hezbollah claims to have upgraded its rocket technology, including the potential fitting of guidance systems, it is generally understood that unguided rockets lack precision and therefore pose risks to civilians. Ignoring the laws of war, Hezbollah’s attacks targeted civilian-populated areas, contravening international humanitarian laws that demand distinction between military and non-military objectives.
These hostilities severely disrupted daily life in northern Israel, leading to the evacuation of approximately 60,000 civilians and the damage of numerous schools and structures. Local reports indicated extensive infrastructural damage in towns near the border, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the conflict on civilians.
Human Rights Watch has documented previous infringements of international law by both Hezbollah and the Israeli military, asserting the need for accountability for violations committed by all parties involved in the conflict. The ongoing violence emphasizes the dire need for an international investigation to ensure adherence to humanitarian standards.
International humanitarian law mandates that all parties must take reasonable precautions to minimize civilian harm and avoid targeting civilian structures. Proposals have been put forward for both Israel and Lebanon to endorse measures that aim to protect civilians and prevent the misuse of explosive weapons in populated areas, making accountability crucial as outlined by various human rights entities.
The situation between Hezbollah and Israel illustrates a complex interplay of military action and civilian safety violations. Human Rights Watch emphasizes the necessity for both parties to adhere to international law, particularly in distinguishing between military and civilian targets. The ongoing humanitarian crisis and casualties highlight the critical need for an international investigation to ensure accountability and prevent future violations. The endorsement of protective declarations is also essential in mitigating the impact of explosive weapons in populated areas.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
