The past 72 hours have seen a surge in violence across Lebanon, as over 1,600 Israeli strikes have pummelled cities, towns, and villages, leaving a devastating toll on civilians. Reports from Lebanon’s Health Ministry indicate that at least 558 people, including 50 children and 94 women, have been killed since September 23, with thousands more injured. The bombardments have also destroyed hospitals, medical centres, schools, homes, and businesses, displacing tens of thousands of people.
In response to this escalating humanitarian crisis, Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) is calling for an immediate, impartial, and internationally mandated investigation into the violence, particularly focusing on the impact on civilians. The organisation is urging UN member states to push for the establishment of an independent inquiry into violations of international humanitarian law by all sides involved in the conflict.
Indiscriminate Violence and Civilian Harm
The Israeli military claims it has targeted Hezbollah strongholds and military infrastructure in Lebanon, stating on September 24 that it struck more than 1,600 Hezbollah positions. Hezbollah, for its part, has launched over 200 rockets into northern Israel since September 22. However, both sides have inflicted significant harm on civilian populations.
“The tragic loss of life in Lebanon underscores the indiscriminate impact of explosive violence in populated areas,” said Dr. Iain Overton, Executive Director of AOAV. “When bombs fall in civilian spaces, the lines between combatants and innocents blur, leaving ordinary people to pay the ultimate price. Our data consistently shows that, when explosive weapons are used in populated areas, over 90% of those killed or injured will be civilians. We need swift international action to investigate and ensure that those responsible for these atrocities face justice.”
Israel has issued mass warnings to civilians across Lebanon, urging them to evacuate areas near Hezbollah positions. However, many have been unable to flee due to the destruction of key infrastructure, including roads and highways, as well as communication blackouts. Civilians fleeing south Lebanon report hours of gridlock on the few remaining roads as Israeli strikes targeted areas close to highways, creating panic and chaos.
International Humanitarian Law Violations
AOAV and other humanitarian organisations have raised concerns about violations of international humanitarian law by both parties to the conflict. The laws of war mandate that all parties must take constant care to spare the civilian population and civilian objects. Attacks should be limited to military objectives, and indiscriminate attacks – those not directed at a specific military target or that do not differentiate between civilians and combatants – are prohibited.
The weaponisation of communication devices, such as pagers and radios, in earlier incidents has further compounded these concerns. On September 17 and 18, thousands of communication devices exploded across Lebanon, killing at least 37 civilians. Though the Israeli military has not officially commented, several sources, including US officials, have suggested Israeli involvement. AOAV has noted that this tactic, which violates the Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other Devices, highlights the complex and evolving nature of modern warfare but does not excuse its consequences.
“The presence of a Hezbollah commander, rocket launcher, or other military facility in a populated area does not justify attacking the area without regard to the civilian population, including the duty to distinguish combatants from civilians and adhere to the rule of proportionality,” added Dr. Overton. “Indiscriminate violence cannot be justified under the laws of war, and all belligerents must be held accountable.”
Calls for International Accountability
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, AOAV is calling on key international actors to respond. Immediate and independent investigations into alleged war crimes and other violations of international law are urgently needed. Additionally, AOAV is urging a halt to the sale and supply of arms to the region, given the high likelihood that these weapons will be used in further indiscriminate attacks.
Israel’s key international allies, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have provided significant military support in recent years. AOAV emphasises that continued military aid without strong safeguards only enables further harm to civilians caught in the crossfire.
The organisation also calls on Lebanon to revisit its decision to not fully engage with the International Criminal Court (ICC). Earlier this year, Lebanon’s Council of Ministers had directed the Foreign Affairs Ministry to file a declaration accepting the ICC’s jurisdiction over crimes committed since October 7, 2023. However, this decision was later reversed. Accepting the ICC’s mandate would provide a crucial avenue for accountability.
Protecting Civilians in Conflict Zones
As strikes continue, AOAV reiterates its long-standing advocacy for the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Dr. Overton stressed that all parties involved in the current hostilities have a duty to minimise harm to civilian populations.
“Warnings that do not provide civilians with adequate time or safe routes to evacuate cannot be considered effective under the law,” Overton said. “Broad, fear-driven warnings do nothing to protect people and instead fuel further terror. Civilians who are unable to leave their homes due to health, age, or lack of alternative shelter are still fully protected under international law. Both sides must do more to ensure their safety.”
Next Steps for International Response
AOAV is also urging UN member states to convene an emergency session to address the ongoing violence in Lebanon and northern Israel. An independent commission of inquiry must be established to investigate violations of international law and to make recommendations for accountability.
The organisation also calls on all parties to immediately halt the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The long-term impacts of such violence – including death, injury, displacement, and the destruction of essential infrastructure – will ripple through generations if immediate action is not taken.
“For the sake of Lebanon’s future, we cannot allow these atrocities to continue without redress,” Dr. Overton concluded. “An international response is vital to prevent further loss of life and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”