Amnesty International Condemns Israeli Eviction Notices in Lebanon
Amnesty International has raised serious concerns regarding the Israeli government's recent evacuation notices issued to residents in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. The organization claims that these warnings are not only misleading but also contribute to the potential for mass displacement among the civilian population amid ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah.
In a statement made on October 10, 2024, Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard criticized the Israeli army for issuing disproportionate warnings, particularly in densely populated areas like Dahiyeh, a known Hezbollah stronghold. The organization analyzed over 12 evacuation notices, noting that many were accompanied by
misleading maps
and were disseminated shortly before military strikes, sometimes as little as 30 minutes in advance and during nighttime hours when residents were likely asleep.
Callamard highlighted that Israel's evacuation warnings now encompass 118 towns and villages, affecting a quarter of Lebanon's territory. This widespread issuance of notices raises alarms about Israel's intent to provoke mass displacement rather than genuinely ensure civilian safety.
Amnesty International emphasized that these warnings do not absolve Israel from its obligations under international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilians and the minimization of harm during conflicts. Callamard reiterated that civilians who choose to remain in their homes or cannot evacuate due to various constraints must still be protected under international law.
The situation has escalated dramatically since September 23, with Israeli air strikes intensifying and the commencement of limited ground operations. The Lebanese authorities report that over 1,200 individuals have lost their lives, and more than 1.2 million have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
