Amnesty International Labels Israeli Attacks in Lebanon as War Crimes

Amnesty International has announced that three Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon last March, which resulted in the deaths of 24 civilians, including 12 children, must be investigated as “war crimes” through an independent and impartial inquiry. The organization emphasized that these attacks have completely destroyed several families.

According to the human rights group’s report, residential homes in the cities of Tyre and Nabatieh, as well as the village of Arqai near the city of Sidon, were targeted between March 6 and 13. Amnesty International stated that existing evidence indicates the victims of these attacks were civilians.

The organization, referring to international humanitarian laws, stressed that attacks on civilian targets and residential areas, if proven intentional or showing recklessness in distinguishing between military and civilian objectives, can constitute war crimes. Amnesty International has called for accountability from those responsible.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials have taken positions indicating the country intends to maintain its military presence in parts of southern Lebanon. Israeli media, quoting Israel’s Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, reported that in response to US President Donald Trump’s remarks on the possibility of Israel withdrawing from Lebanon, Katz said Israel has sought no permission from any party to enter or remain in Lebanon.

These recent developments occur amid ongoing regional tensions surrounding Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon and the commitments related to previous agreements.