Hundreds of thousands were forcibly
displaced as Israel launched an intense barrage of airstrikes on early
September 23, 2024 targeting towns in south Lebanon and Beqaa Valley. The
unprecedented mass displacement has caused great sufferings to civilians especially vulnerable groups of
elderly, children, and those with special needs.
Israeli
strikes have targeted residential homes, infrastructure, and roads causing
great destruction and human losses surpassing 550 including 50 children and 94 women
with 1835 injuries, according to Ministry of Health reports on September 23,
2024. Ambulances and civil defense vehicles were also targeted, resulting in
the death of 4 paramedics, while 14 ambulances and fire engines were targeted,
while 16 paramedics were injured.[1]
Field visit Uncovers Displaced People's Struggles Amidst
Supply and Medical Shortages:
In response to the mass displacement, Lebanese authorities have
opened schools and universities to house the displaced. Lebanese families across
the north, Mount Lebanon, Beirut, and Beqaa welcomed those fleeing the intense
shelling into their homes.
Nonetheless, the situation remains dire. As of writing this
report, roads to Beirut and other areas are heavily congested. The displaced
have had to spend ten hours on crowded roads to travel just 80 km, facing
severe shortages of fuel, food, and essential supplies. The psychological
impact is clear, especially on frightened children and elderly people with
chronic illnesses.
During a field visit carried out by a team from the
Palestinian Association for Human Rights (Witness) to several shelters in
Saida, the difficult conditions faced by displaced individuals were observed.
Many infants and elderly people needing specialized medical care were found,
yet they are trapped in overcrowded shelters that lack necessary medical
services.
Additionally, a large number of displaced individuals have
sought refuge with relatives in various parts of Saida and even in northern
Lebanon. The full extent of their suffering has yet to be revealed, as
displacement continues.
Local humanitarian organizations have responded to the
humanitarian situation and provided initial aid. However, the crisis is much
deeper and requires extensive international intervention on two levels: first,
pressure on Israel to stop its aggression, and second, the flow of
international aid from the UN, along with support for Lebanese state institutions
and civil society organizations.
UNRWA and Displacement Shelters:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has activated its response to the ongoing
humanitarian crisis, serving around 250,000 Palestinians. To address the needs
of displaced individuals, UNRWA has opened two shelters: one at the Tubas
School in Nahr al-Bared camp (north) and another at Siblin Training Center
(south). While these shelters are primarily designated to Palestinian refugees,
they also provide support to displaced Lebanese individuals and others, based
on available resources.
UNRWA has assured that it has pre-stocked food and other
supplies to assist the displaced population. Additionally, the agency is
offering healthcare services to injured civilians among Palestinian refugees at
its contracted hospitals. Assistance has also been extended to several
municipalities, including the municipality of Al-Wardaniyah in the Chouf region
of Mount Lebanon.
Deliberate targeting of Civilians as a War Crime
The forced displacement of civilians and the deliberate
targeting of residential areas represent a blatant violation of international
humanitarian law. The Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 emphasizes the need to
protect civilians and civilian objects from being attacked.
The Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, which have
resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties and mass displacement,
constitute a violation of international law and may amount to war crimes. These
violations include indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian property,
leading to the killing of hundreds of people.
The ongoing Israeli airstrikes, which have killed hundreds
of civilians and displaced tens of thousands, necessitate an unequivocal response
from the international community. It is imperative to uphold international
humanitarian law and compel Israel to refrain from targeting civilians and
civilian objects. Additionally, urgent intervention from the Prosecutor of the
International Criminal Court is required, as these war crimes fall within its
jurisdiction.