The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, confirmed on Friday that the recent bombings of communication devices in Lebanon constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session, Türk emphasized that attacks on thousands, whether civilians or armed group members, without adequate information on their roles or locations, violate international human rights law and international humanitarian law where applicable. He stated that if an attacker cannot ascertain whether an attack complies with international humanitarian law, it should not be executed at all.
The law prohibits the use of explosive devices disguised as harmless objects, and acts of violence aimed at spreading terror among civilians are considered war crimes.
The Tuesday and Wednesday attacks targeted “pager” devices and radios carried by Hezbollah members in Lebanon, resulting in explosions that killed at least 37 people and injured thousands. Hezbollah has attributed the attacks to Israel and vowed retaliation. Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah described the strikes as a severe blow, labeling them an “act of war” and promised a rigorous response. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the attacks marked a shift in the war’s focus to Northern Israel, signaling a new phase in the conflict
