Human Rights Watch (HRW) has asserted that the detonation of thousands of communication devices in Lebanon and Syria contravenes customary international law. This declaration comes after explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday led to significant casualties, including the deaths of 37 individuals and injuries to more than 2,600 people. The devices, including pagers and walkie-talkies, are alleged to be components of Hezbollah’s communication network. Although Israel is suspected to be involved, it has yet to offer any official comments.
HRW has indicated that such actions violate Rule 80 of International Humanitarian Law, which expressly prohibits the use of booby traps on objects that are likely to attract civilians or are typically used in daily civilian life. Moreover, the organization condemned the arbitrary nature of these detonations, pointing out that the devices were placed in locations that could not be precisely determined, thereby endangering both military and civilian populations indiscriminately.
In addition to customary international law, there are several international protocols designed to protect civilians from such attacks. The Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva Convention of 1949 protect civilian populations from being targeted. Both protocols also prohibit acts or threats of violence intended primarily to spread terror among civilians, although they make exceptions for civilians taking a direct part in hostilities. However, Israel is not a signatory to either protocol.
The recent explosions constitute another escalation in the protracted conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Tensions between the two entities have been high, particularly as accusations of war crimes from the Israel-Gaza War continue to surface.
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