According to the Lebanese Civil Defense, the attacks killed at least 254 people and injuring more than 1100 people. The death toll will most likely rise as people are still missing and searched for in the rubble. This marks one of the most intense and violent attacks in recent years. In the past 40 days alone, Israel has killed more than 1700 Lebanese people, causing immense suffering amongst civilians that have nowhere to go.
We’re in close contact with our partners in Lebanon. “Until now, people are sharing casualties in online groups: pictures from the strikes and pictures and names of the victims, trying to make sure families and friends are safe. It’s really awful. Hospitals in Beirut have been overwhelmed trying to take care of the enormous amount of victims” says V. from our partner organization Peace of Arts, located in the Bekaa valley.
The strikes hit densely populated areas in central Beirut, as well as regions in the Bekaa valley and Southern Lebanon. The fact that these strikes targeted areas that were considered safe until now is raising serious concerns among the population. Many decided to leave to other areas in search of safety. New locations have been opened for people to take shelter. There is also fear for possible further escalation, especially towards the start of new peace talks between the United States and Iran. These are expected to take place this Friday: “I believe these attacks will continue until the first day of negotiations [between U.S and Iran]. The Israelis are trying to put pressure on Iran” says A. from our partner organization Maan, located in Beirut.
Israel has argued that the recent ceasefire agreement brokered between the U.S and Iran on Tuesday night does not extend to Lebanon, benefiting from ambiguity in the terms. Pakistan (which helped secure the ceasefire) and Iran hold opposite views, claiming that the ceasefire agreement does extend to Lebanon. Either way, Israels attacks on Lebanon are illegal under international law. They’re putting the fragile truce in the region at risk, whether Lebanon is formally included in this truce or not. A comprehensive and clearly defined peace agreement must be reached to ensure that violence ends across the entire region.
The attacks must be stopped
- Israels attacks are illegal under international law
- International law prescribes that civilians must be protected, Israel should adhere to that
- Israels actions may not remain unpunished like in Gaza. The impunity for Israel must come to an end.
- Other countries, amongst which the Netherlands, should stop all forms of weapon export towards Israel as the risk of them being used for illegal purposes is very likely. No other countries should be complicit.
