Human Rights Watch reported that Hezbollah failed to protect civilians in northern Israel during attacks from September to November 2024. The organization notes the lack of effective warnings and highlights the impact of ongoing Israeli military strikes in Lebanon. It calls for an international investigation into both Hezbollah and Israel’s adherence to the laws of war, emphasizing the need for accountability in armed conflicts.
Between September and November 2024, Hezbollah notably failed to implement sufficient precautions to safeguard civilians during its military operations, according to a report from Human Rights Watch. The organization emphasized that Hezbollah employed explosive weapons in densely populated regions of northern Israel while neglecting to adequately warn civilians about potential attacks.
Previously, Human Rights Watch has documented numerous incidents of potential war crimes and unlawful assaults attributed to the Israeli military in Lebanon. Following the ceasefire agreement established on November 27, 2024, it has been reported that Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 59 individuals in Lebanon.
Adam Coogle, the deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, stated, “Deadly, unlawful attacks by the Israeli military in Lebanon do not give Hezbollah a free pass to endanger civilians by firing explosive weapons into northern Israel.” He also called for an international investigation to assess compliance with the laws of war by both Israel and Hezbollah to ensure accountability for their actions.
As per data released by the Israeli military on October 6, 2024, approximately 12,400 projectiles originating from Lebanon were discharged toward Israel from October 7, 2023, to October 2, 2024. These munitions were reported to have caused the deaths of at least 30 civilians. An incident on July 27 resulted in the deaths of 12 children in the town of Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights, although Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack.
During this same time frame, Israeli airstrikes reportedly resulted in over 4,000 fatalities in Lebanon, as indicated by Lebanon’s Health Ministry. From mid-September to November 27, 2024, Hezbollah expanded its rocket attacks deeper into northern Israel, hitting populated areas and targeting locations such as Delton, Kfar Vradim, and Kiryat Shmona, often without presenting a specified military objective.
On October 26, Hezbollah’s military faction issued an evacuation alert via Telegram, instructing residents of northern Israeli towns to vacate immediately, labeling these areas as legitimate military targets. However, warnings lacking adequate time for civilian evacuation do not align with international legal standards
During the period from late September to November 2024, various Hezbollah attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians and numerous injuries, as compiled by Human Rights Watch. Reportedly, victims were located in areas where evacuation alerts had not been issued.
A grievous account was presented by a man who discovered the bodies of his son, Omer, and four Thai agricultural workers following a Hezbollah strike on an apple orchard near Metula. He lamented, “I came and saw the worst thing possible to see. I did not think there was a 1 percent chance that one of us would be hurt, but actually, Omer paid the price.”
Hezbollah’s military capabilities, particularly its array of unguided artillery rockets, were recognized prior to October 2023. Recent claims suggest they have enhanced their arsenal with guidance systems, although there lacks reliable verification of any guided munitions being utilized in attacks harming civilians from September to November 2024.
Using unguided artillery rockets generally results in substantial civilian risk, as they cannot be aimed precisely. Attacks that fail to differentiate between military targets and civilians contravene the laws of war. Human Rights Watch has sought engagement from Hezbollah regarding their military operations but has received no response to its inquiries.
The repercussions of Hezbollah’s attacks severely disrupted daily life in northern Israel, incapacitating economic activities and interrupting the education of approximately 16,000 students. Following developments on October 16, 2023, evacuation orders were issued for residents living within two kilometers of the Lebanese border, displacing over 60,000 people.
Significant infrastructural damages were reported; more than 60 percent of the structures in the border village of Metula and numerous buildings in Manara were severely impacted. Residents expressed despair over their lost homes and livelihoods with comments highlighting the extent of destruction such as, “There is nothing to return to. My home was hit several times.”
Human Rights Watch has consistently documented potential war crimes attributed to the Israeli military, including unlawful attacks on non-combatants and civilian objects. Since October 2023, it is reported that over 4,000 individuals have been killed, with a substantial number being children and workers.
As stated by the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon, at least 17,371 individuals sustained injuries from various attacks. A dramatic spike in casualties was recorded on September 23, with over 558 people killed in a single day. The aggressive military actions prompted extensive displacement and catastrophic damage in the region.
It is urgent for the United Nations to initiate and support an international investigation into the hostilities between Lebanon and northern Israel, focusing on identifying violations of international law. Compliance with international humanitarian law mandates all parties in a conflict to avoid civilian harm during military operations, necessitating all feasible precautions.
The implementation of the 2022 Declaration on Protecting Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas is vital. Such explosive weaponry poses a significant risk to civilian populations and should be limited in use. Adam Coogle highlighted the continuous cycle of war crimes, stating, “There is little hope that the cycle of abuses will end while the culture of impunity drags on. States should ensure investigations of those responsible for violating international law and the laws of war.”
In summary, the actions of Hezbollah between September and November 2024 significantly endangered civilian lives in northern Israel, while the ongoing military operations by Israel have led to substantial casualties and destruction in Lebanon. Human Rights Watch underscored the necessity for an international investigation into violations of international law by both parties, emphasizing that all military operations must prioritize the protection of civilians. Attention to humanitarian law is crucial to prevent future abuses and to hold those accountable for potential war crimes. The call for international oversight reflects the urgent need for accountability and adherence to ethical warfare standards.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
