Human Rights Watch Calls for International Investigation as Zionist Strikes in Lebanon Endanger Civilians
Human Rights Watch warned Wednesday that Zionist strikes on Lebanon were putting civilians “at grave risk”, urging an international investigation into strikes. Zionist raids on Lebanon on Monday killed at least 558 people, in the deadliest day of violence since Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war.
“More than 1,000 Israeli strikes across Lebanon that have killed hundreds of people and injured thousands” this week “are placing civilians across the country at grave risk of harm”, HRW said in a statement.
United Nations “member states should take urgent action to establish an independent inquiry into violations during the current hostilities”, said Lama Fakih, HRW’s Middle East and North Africa director.
“It is paramount for Israel to comply with the laws of war to minimise civilian harm,” Fakih said in the statement.
“The presence of a Hezbollah commander, rocket launcher, or other military facility in a populated area does not justify attacking the area without regard to the civilian population,” Fakih added.
Since Monday, the UN’s International Organization for Migration has recorded some 90,000 newly displaced people in Lebanon.
On Tuesday, the International Rescue Committee said it was “deeply concerned by the escalating conflict in Lebanon”, adding that “ongoing insecurity may significantly hinder our ability to deliver vital assistance to those in need”.
