Statement on the latest attacks in Lebanon

Recalling our previous statements of 2 March and 7 April, the IHL Centre is gravely alarmed by the latest large-scale attacks by Israel across Lebanon, reportedly involving dozens of aircraft and over one hundred locations across Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon, within a short timeframe, and affecting densely populated civilian areas.

In particular, we are concerned by the large numbers of reported civilian
casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure, as well as the renewed displacement of civilians, with healthcare and emergency services reportedly overwhelmed by the number of wounded, and in some cases also being targeted, causing devastating humanitarian consequences.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is clear: civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted during armed conflict. Indiscriminate attacks and attacks on civilians and civilian objects such as homes, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure essential to civilian life are strictly prohibited. Parties must distinguish at all times between military objectives and civilians, take all necessary precautions, and refrain from attacks expected to cause excessive civilian harm.

These rules must be observed by all parties to armed conflict, in all circumstances and settings. Failure to do so when operating in densely populated areas, such as Beirut can have especially dire humanitarian implications. IHL also prohibits the forced displacement of civilians except in narrowly defined, exceptional circumstances. It further prohibits any obstruction of humanitarian assistance and requires all parties to ensure its safe and unimpeded passage to affected populations.

To support humanitarian, diplomatic and media actors, the IHL Centre is
publishing a series of FAQs on the legal issues arising in relation to the escalation of violence in the region, which are being made available on our website and social media channels and will be updated regularly.

We remind humanitarian, diplomatic and media actors that the IHL Centre offers a free and confidential advisory service, providing tailored legal guidance and analysis to support effective humanitarian advocacy and engagement. For any queries, please contact info@ihlcentre.org.

You can download the full statement below in both English and Arabic.