Celebration and sorrow in Lebanon; no respite for Gaza
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah appears to be holding, with the US/France-brokered deal that came into effect Nov. 27 prompting thousands of displaced Lebanese civilians to head for their homes in the south. While there were celebrations on the road, so many homes, businesses and lives have been destroyed that the return is also marred by sorrow—with bodies still under the rubble of buildings flattened by Israel's bombs. The days before the deal were particularly devastating, with Israel levelling an apartment block in central Beirut, reportedly killing at least 29 people. Both sides have traded accusations of violating the truce, which is based on the UN Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war. The next 60 days, during which both Hezbollah and Israel are set to withdraw from south Lebanon, will be crucial. While US President Joe Biden hopes to use this momentum to push for a deal in Gaza, no clear progress has been made on that front—meaning there is still no respite for civilians there. Israel is intensifying its bombardment in central Gaza, where medics say its military killed at least 26 people on the day after the Lebanon deal began, and aid—already mostly blockaded by Israel—is reportedly now being looted on a large scale with impunity.
From The New Humanitarian, Nov. 29
IDF fires on Lebanese civilians, 22 dead
At least 22 people were killed and 124 others injured by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Health Ministry said Jan. 26, as residents of villages near the border defied orders by Israel’s military not to return to their homes.
The deaths came as a 60-day deadline expired for Israel to withdraw forces from the area, as part of a ceasefire agreement that ended months of conflict with Hezbollah. Israel's government said that the military would not withdraw all of its forces from southern Lebanon by the deadline, blaming Lebanon for failing to uphold its end of the agreement. The Lebanese army in turn accused Israel of "procrastination."
Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun said that "Lebanon's sovereignty and the unity of its territory are not subject to compromise," promising residents of the south he would "ensure your rights and dignity." (CNN)
IDF attacks on Lebanon infrastructure prevent civilians' return
Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Feb. 17 that Israeli attacks against Lebanon have damaged significant infrastructure, preventing thousands of Lebanese from returning home.
According to Lebanon researcher at HRW, Ramzi Kaiss, Israeli attacks since October 2023 have damaged both civilian households and public infrastructure necessary to ensure basic services. Kaiss said: 'Even if their houses are still there, how can they return when there is no water, electricity, telecommunications, or health infrastructure?' HRW urged the Lebanese government to work with donors to ensure the reconstruction of this infrastructure. Kaiss stressed that the government "needs to prioritize rebuilding the critical infrastructure and the delivery of public services in a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free manner."
HRW also urged the UN Human Rights Council and member states to investigate the recent hostilities in Lebanon and northern Israel to ensure accountability. This includes a call for the government to permit the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors to investigate possible international crimes.
The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed that more than 115,000 people remain internally displaced in Lebanon. Moreover, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) confirmed in its latest report that almost 100.000 assets were damaged due to the war with Israel. These assets include houses, businesses, and public infrastructure, including education and health services. International humanitarian law and treaties such as the Geneva Conventions of 1949 prohibit countries from targeting civilians and health infrastructure during conflict.
Both Israel and Lebanon have recommitted to implementing their ceasefire agreement. Despite this, in December 2024 the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had to urge Israel to withdraw from Southern Lebanon. Recently, Lebanon has appointed a new prime minister, Nawaf Salam. HRW and other organizations have called on Salam to prioritize human rights, including ensuring access to health and education, recently worsened by the war with Israel. (Jurist)