Amnesty Calls for War Crimes Investigations into Israeli Strikes That Killed Children in Lebanon

Amnesty Calls for War Crimes Investigations into Israeli Strikes That Killed Children in Lebanon
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Amnesty International has called for investigations into three Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon that killed 24 civilians, including 12 children, in March 2026.

The rights organization said the attacks struck civilian homes in the al-Thakana neighborhood of Tyre district, Irkay village in Saida district, and al-Rahbat neighborhood in Nabatieh district on March 6, 12, and 13. The victims included children aged between five and 16, six women, including a pregnant woman, and six men. At least 18 others were injured.

Amnesty said its investigation found reasonable grounds to conclude that Israeli forces violated international humanitarian law by failing to distinguish between civilians and military objectives, carrying out attacks against civilians or civilian objects, or failing to take all feasible precautions to reduce harm to civilians.

The organization said the three strikes destroyed civilian homes and wiped out entire families. In Tyre district, eight members of one family were killed. In Irkay, nine civilians were killed, including five children. In Nabatieh, eight civilians were killed, including four children.

Amnesty said it interviewed survivors, relatives, paramedics, journalists, and local officials, and that its Crisis Evidence Lab analyzed satellite imagery and verified photos and videos from the attack sites.

The organization said it wrote to Israeli authorities seeking information about the attacks, including the alleged military targets and measures taken to avoid civilian harm. Israeli authorities said some allegations were under examination and stated that Israeli forces are committed to reducing civilian harm, while accusing Hezbollah of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Amnesty said Israel did not provide specific information regarding the three documented strikes.

Amnesty International urged the Lebanese authorities to grant the International Criminal Court jurisdiction over crimes committed on Lebanese territory and to support international justice efforts. It also called for credible domestic investigations and international accountability measures to prevent further violations and impunity.