Amnesty International Demands War Crimes Probe into Israel's Actions in Southern Lebanon

Amnesty International has issued a powerful call for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to launch a comprehensive investigation into potential war crimes committed by Israeli forces during recent attacks on southern Lebanon. The human rights organization highlighted what it describes as a pattern of unlawful assaults, including those on civilian homes and infrastructure, which have resulted in widespread devastation and displacement.

In a damning report released on Tuesday (Oct 29, 2024, based on the article's context), Amnesty detailed evidence suggesting that Israeli forces frequently disregarded international humanitarian law during the Gaza war, which saw intense cross-border hostilities with Lebanon.

Their findings point to several strikes on residential areas, particularly in Hula and other border villages, where entire families were killed, and homes were obliterated, despite no apparent military targets being present.

Ayat Mnaimneh, Amnesty International’s Lebanon researcher, emphasized the severe impact of these attacks.

“Israeli forces have repeatedly used internationally banned white phosphorus munitions, causing horrific burns and widespread destruction,” Mnaimneh stated. “They have also targeted civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, which constitutes a grave violation of international law.”

One harrowing incident highlighted by the report involves the al-Khouja family in Hula.

Their home was struck by an Israeli missile, killing nine family members, including four children, while they slept. Amnesty’s investigation, which included satellite imagery analysis, forensic examination of weapon fragments, and witness testimonies, found no evidence of any military presence or activity in the immediate vicinity of their home at the time of the strike.

The report also detailed the systematic destruction of agricultural land and the targeting of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) peacekeeping positions.

These actions, Amnesty argues, have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, forcing tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians to flee their homes, leaving behind their livelihoods and communities.

Amnesty is not only calling for an ICC investigation but also urges the international community to impose an immediate arms embargo on Israel and Hamas, citing credible evidence of serious violations of international law by both sides.

The organization also stresses the need for accountability and reparations for victims and their families. They call upon the UN Security Council to ensure compliance with Resolution 1701, which mandates the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon and respect for the Blue Line boundary between Lebanon and Israel.

This renewed focus on accountability comes as tensions remain high in the region.

The detailed allegations by Amnesty International underscore the urgent need for an impartial and thorough examination of the conduct of all parties involved to ensure justice for the victims and prevent future atrocities.