BEIRUT, Lebenon: Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a statement on Tuesday condemning an Israeli strike in Lebanon that resulted in the deaths of seven first responders. The organization called the attack “an unlawful attack on civilians” and urged the United States to suspend weapons sales to Israel.
The incident occurred in the southern village of Habariyeh on March 27, when an Israeli strike targeted an emergency and relief center. According to HRW, the strike killed seven emergency and relief volunteers, constituting a violation of international law.
HRW emphasized that if the attack on civilians was carried out intentionally or recklessly, it should be investigated as a potential war crime. The organization found no evidence of a military target at the site, disputing the Israeli military’s claim that it was targeting a “military compound.”
The rights group noted that the center targeted by the Israeli strike was operated by the Lebanese Succour Association, a non-governmental humanitarian organization. Despite claims by the Israeli military that the strike targeted a terrorist operative, HRW found no connection between the emergency responders and any armed group.
Among the victims were 18-year-old twin brothers, who were volunteers with the relief organization. While social media content suggested that some of the victims may have supported Jamaa Islamiya, HRW emphasized that they were civilians and not affiliated with any armed group.
HRW also highlighted the use of US-made weapons in the strike, including a guidance kit produced by the Boeing Company. The organization called on the United States to suspend arms sales and military assistance to Israel in light of evidence that Israeli forces are using US weapons unlawfully.
The Israeli military has not provided immediate comment on HRW’s statement. However, HRW’s Lebanon researcher, Ramzi Kaiss, emphasized the need for accountability and urged the international community to take action to prevent further civilian casualties in conflicts.
