Lebanon Explosions: Potential Breach of International Humanitarian Law

In a series of explosions that have rocked Lebanon this week, wireless communication devices detonated across the country, leading experts to assert that these incidents potentially violate international humanitarian law. The attacks, allegedly conducted by Israel, reportedly breach prohibitions on indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, according to various experts.

The Nature of the Explosions

The explosions, which involved pagers, walkie-talkies, and cellphones, have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people, including children and a medic, and left more than 3,000 others injured. The devices are thought to be linked to Hezbollah, a Lebanese group, and exploded across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday. The chaos following these blasts has overwhelmed medical centers and incited fear among the residents.

Legal Perspectives on Indiscriminate Attacks

Sarah Leah Whitson, a lawyer and director of Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), highlighted the illegality of booby-trapping objects typically used by civilians. “You’re not supposed to booby-trap objects that civilians are likely to pick up and use,” she explained. The attacks have demonstrated the devastation that results from such indiscriminate tactics, she added. The lack of clarity on the legitimacy of military targets further complicates the situation.

Lack of Military Confirmation and Reaction

While Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement in these attacks, Hezbollah has accused the Israeli military of orchestrating them. This situation has led to a debate on the legitimacy and justification of such actions. Israeli supporters claim the explosions were precise, yet the devices detonated in civilian areas, such as residential buildings and grocery stores, raising questions about their appropriateness under international humanitarian law (IHL).

Human Rights Implications

Huwaida Arraf, a US-based human rights lawyer, echoed concerns over the indiscriminate nature of the blasts. She pointed out that such attacks violate the 1996 Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps, and Other Devices, which prohibits booby-trapping objects associated with civilian use. Arraf emphasized that without measures to protect civilians, the legality of the attacks is questionable.

Proportionality and Strategic Objectives

Experts have also raised concerns about the proportionality of the attacks. Craig Martin, a professor at Washburn University School of Law, noted the difficulty in assessing the proportionality of harm to civilians when the location and impact of the explosives are unknown. Proportionality in military actions requires that civilian harm not be excessive compared to the anticipated military advantage.

Call for Investigation and Accountability

Human Rights Watch has called for an urgent and impartial investigation into these incidents. Lama Fakih, the organization’s Middle East director, stressed the unlawfully indiscriminate nature of using explosive devices whose exact locations are not known, highlighting the need for accountability.

The ongoing situation in Lebanon underscores the broader implications for international law and the protection of civilians during armed conflict. As the region grapples with the aftermath, the need for clarity and adherence to international humanitarian norms remains crucial.