Since October 2023, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated dramatically, leading to catastrophic consequences, especially for civilians caught in the crossfire. Reports indicate over 3,750 people have lost their lives in Lebanon, including many children, and more than one million have been displaced due to the violence. The intensity of the conflict reached new heights with targeted strikes, including one particularly controversial incident involving the deaths of three journalists at the Hasbaya Village Resort, which Human Rights Watch has described as potentially constituting war crimes.
The organization revealed alarming accusations against Israel, asserting the use of U.S.-made munitions to carry out these strikes. Specifically, they highlighted the use of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) guidance kits, which are known for their precision but can lead to devastating consequences when misused. According to reports from Human Rights Watch, the bombardment occurred on October 25, 2024, killing Ghassan Najjar, Mohammad Reda, and Wissam Kassem—all members of the press—while injuring several others.
Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher for Human Rights Watch, emphasized the civilian nature of journalists, stating, "Journalists are civilians, and deliberately targeting journalists is a war crime." This incident has sparked widespread outcry and raised serious questions about the accountability of military actions involving civilian casualties. Interviews conducted by Human Rights Watch revealed no military operations were happening nearby at the time of the attack, underscoring the gravity of the accusations leveled against the Israeli forces.
On the diplomatic front, there are glimmers of hope with the announcement of ceasefire proposals brokered by President Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. The potential ceasefire is set to allow Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. Lebanon's Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations taking place and the pressing need for peace amid the chaos. Still, as the various parties involved engage in talks, the reality on the ground remains grim, with continued Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon—resulting only yesterday alone in the deaths of 31 individuals.
During these negotiations, the U.S. has also been facing scrutiny over its unwavering arms support for Israel. Amid calls for peace, the Biden administration reportedly approved a $680 million arms package to Israel, which includes additional munitions of the very tools believed to have been used unlawfully against civilians. This juxtaposition of facilitating ceasefire talks and simultaneously approving substantial military aid casts doubt on the sincerity of U.S. efforts to broker peace.
This arms deal, confirmed by U.S. officials, consists of hundreds of small-diameter bombs and thousands of guidance kits. Despite Biden's long-standing support for Israel, critics argue these arms sales have only exacerbated tensions and contributed to civilian suffering. The complexity of the U.S. role has led to accusations of complicity, particularly when allegations arise involving the use of these weapons against unarmed civilians, including journalists.
Human Rights Watch advocated for the U.S. to suspend arms sales to promote accountability and called for immediate investigations. They also emphasized the need for the Lebanese government to enable jurisdiction for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate war crimes committed on its soil. The legal status remains complicated, as Lebanon is not currently a signatory to the Rome Statute, making accountability difficult.
Meanwhile, the backlash against Israel's actions has extended beyond the immediate conflict zone. Recent days saw the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza conflict. The legal ramifications seem to suggest a growing international scrutiny of Israel's military tactics, leading some to question both the moral and legal justifications of their military campaigns.
While advocacy groups continue to push for accountability and human rights protections, the rhetoric surrounding the conflict can be polarizing. Some U.S. lawmakers are endorsing measures to sanction nations complying with the ICC's arrest warrants, aiming to bolster Israel's position against international legal pressures.
The stakes remain high as the international community watches the developments surrounding the ceasefire and the humanitarian crises resulting from the conflict. The brutal reality of war everywhere emphasizes the importance of urgent international dialogue to protect human rights.
The situation continues to evolve as the ceasefire takes effect, creating both hope for peace and fear about its potential failure amid the volatility characteristic of the region. With the U.S. poised to renew efforts to broker additional ceasefires—including between Israel and Hamas—the outcome of these diplomatic negotiations will have far-reaching consequences not only for the immediate parties involved but also for global perceptions of justice and the protection of civilian lives.
