Rights Group Says Mass Evacuations Violate International Law
BEIRUT: Amnesty International on Wednesday accused the Israeli military of committing war crimes through large-scale displacement orders issued in southern Lebanon, arguing that the measures unlawfully force civilians from their homes and prevent their return.
In a statement detailing the findings of its latest investigation, the human rights organisation said Israel’s policies amount to the unlawful transfer of civilians under international law. Amnesty stated that the Israeli army has significantly expanded the use of displacement directives during the ongoing conflict, affecting hundreds of thousands of Lebanese residents.
According to the organisation, Israeli authorities have widened “do not return” orders and continue to prohibit residents from re-entering villages located within a self-declared buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
Expanded Buffer Zone Raises Concerns
Amnesty reported that Israel first designated approximately 4.6 percent of Lebanese territory as a restricted area on November 28, 2024, one day after a ceasefire took effect. However, the organisation said the restricted zone expanded further in 2026.
The group noted that only days after an April 17 ceasefire announcement, Israeli forces enlarged the area to roughly 6 percent of Lebanon and classified it as a “Forward Defence” zone. Consequently, residents of numerous villages, once home to tens of thousands of civilians, were ordered not to return.
Kristine Beckerle, Amnesty International’s deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, urged Israeli forces to withdraw immediately from Lebanese territory rather than continue policies that displace local communities.
Conflict Continues to Disrupt Civilian Life
Meanwhile, Lebanese officials say the ongoing military offensive has caused widespread devastation since March. Authorities report thousands of deaths and injuries, while more than one million people have been displaced.
Israel continues to maintain positions in parts of southern Lebanon, including areas occupied during previous conflicts. Furthermore, Lebanese officials say Israeli forces have advanced deeper into the country during the current campaign.
The dispute over displacement and territorial control remains a central issue amid continuing regional tensions.
