Washington, DC – A recent series of explosive attacks across Lebanon, believed to be carried out by Israel, has raised concerns among experts regarding potential breaches of the laws of war. The attacks, which targeted wireless communication devices associated with Hezbollah, have resulted in numerous casualties and widespread devastation.
According to Sarah Leah Whitson, a lawyer and director of the US-based rights group Democracy for the Arab World Now, the attacks likely violate prohibitions on indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks under international humanitarian law. The explosions have caused significant harm to both civilians and military targets, leading to chaos and panic in Lebanon.
The use of booby-trapped civilian objects has been heavily criticized, with experts pointing out that such tactics are inherently indiscriminate and illegal. The attacks have prompted calls for an urgent, impartial investigation to determine the extent of the violations.
‘Inherently indiscriminate’
Furthermore, the explosions have sparked debates over the legality and ethicality of the attacks, with concerns raised about the protection of civilians and the proportionality of the actions. The devastating impact on Lebanon’s health system has also been highlighted as a critical issue to consider when assessing the attacks.
Proportionality
While the full extent of the damage and the strategic objectives behind the attacks remain unclear, the need for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law is paramount.