Israel's military ground incursions into southern Lebanon, blanket displacement orders for the population in Beirut's southern suburbs, the Bekaa region and the full area to the south of the Litani river, and its continued airstrikes on different parts of the country, are bringing more misery and suffering to an already weary civilian population.
These warnings and displacement orders issued for the south of Lebanon reportedly affected more than 100 towns and villages - home to tens of thousands of people, and risk affecting many more. In addition, on Thursday, the Israeli army urged the complete evacuation of almost the entire southern suburb of Beirut, creating fear and panic among residents, as well as the Bekaa region in eastern Lebanon.
In all, hundreds of thousands have now been affected by these Israeli displacement orders. Their breadth makes them very difficult for the population to comply with and therefore brings into question their effectiveness, a requirement under international humanitarian law, and risks amounting to prohibited forced displacement.
The devastating impact of this renewed conflict is already before our eyes, with civilians paying a painfully heavy price. In an Israeli attack on 4 March, striking a residential building in Baalbek, at least eight people, including three girls and two women, were reportedly killed. Another strike on 5 March hit a building in Nabatyeh district, reportedly killing a family of four. Prompt and thorough investigations must be conducted, particularly to determine whether such attacks complied with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions.
Hezbollah has continued launching barrages of rockets into Israel, striking residential areas in the north and the centre of the country, with at least 3 people reportedly injured, raising concerns, once again, about indiscriminate attacks against civilians.
We urge the parties to step back from the brink of a major escalation of this conflict in Lebanon. We call instead for urgent de-escalation, compliance with their obligations under Security Council resolution 1701 and faithful application of the 2024 ceasefire arrangements. The sovereignty of Lebanon and the human rights of its people must be respected.
