Human Rights Watch has condemned an Israeli strike in Lebanon that resulted in the tragic deaths of seven first responders. The organization labeled the attack as “an unlawful assault on civilians” and called on the United States to halt weapons sales to Israel immediately.
Tensions have been escalating in the Israel-Lebanon border area with frequent clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas. The recent conflict intensified after a Hamas attack on southern Israel triggered warfare in Gaza on October 7.
The Israeli military allegedly targeted an emergency and relief center in the southern village of Habariyeh on March 27, resulting in the deaths of seven volunteers. Human Rights Watch stated that the strike was a reckless attack on civilians and stressed the importance of conducting a thorough investigation to determine if it constitutes a war crime.
While the Israeli military claimed to have targeted a military compound and killed a significant terrorist operative, no evidence of a military presence was found at the site. The strike actually hit a residential building that housed a humanitarian organization, contradicting the military’s initial justification.
The victims were identified as volunteers, including teenage twin brothers. Despite some social media speculation linking them to a political group, sources confirmed their non-affiliation with any armed organization. The use of U.S. weaponry in the attack further raised concerns about the legality of Israel’s actions.
Human Rights Watch called on the United States to suspend arms sales to Israel due to evidence of unlawful use of U.S. weapons. The organization emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the innocent civilians who lost their lives in the devastating strike.