Human Rights Watch Warns Civilians Are Paying Highest Price in Middle East Clashes

Human Rights Watch Warns Civilians Are Paying Highest Price in Middle East Clashes
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned that civilians are bearing “the highest price” in the escalating confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah, urging all parties to strictly adhere to the laws of war and take immediate measures to protect non-combatants.

According to HRW, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 52 deaths and 154 injuries in Lebanon, as of the previous night, according to Lebanese authorities. The number of internally displaced persons has officially reached approximately 29,000, with expectations of a sharp increase due to continued strikes and expanding evacuation warnings for residents of southern villages.

The organization emphasized that affiliation with a political group that has an armed wing does not automatically make individuals lawful military targets. HRW referenced guidance from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), noting that individuals performing non-combat roles, whether political or administrative, should not be targeted unless directly participating in hostilities.

Ramzi Qais, HRW’s Lebanon researcher, stated that repeated serious violations “amid complete impunity” increase the likelihood of their continuation, calling on states to pressure Israel and Hezbollah to comply with international humanitarian law and minimize harm to civilians.