Human Rights Watch Accuses Israel of War Crimes in Southern Lebanon

Human Rights Watch Accuses Israel of War Crimes in Southern Lebanon
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Human Rights Watch has accused the Israeli military of committing war crimes in southern Lebanon, saying recent airstrikes deliberately targeted civilian reconstruction equipment and facilities in an effort to obstruct rebuilding and prevent residents from returning to border areas.

In a statement, the organisation said the attacks reduced several southern towns to rubble and destroyed more than 360 pieces of heavy machinery, including bulldozers and excavators, as well as an asphalt and cement plant used for reconstruction and infrastructure repairs.

Human Rights Watch said it found no evidence that the bombed sites or equipment were military objectives or being used for military purposes, arguing that their targeting cannot be justified under international humanitarian law.

It added that the sale or maintenance of civilian equipment to individuals suspected of links to Hezbollah does not make such assets legitimate military targets. The group said the strikes violate the November 27, 2024 ceasefire declaration, UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and Lebanon’s sovereignty.