This position statement maintains the urgency of ending impunity while reinforcing the international community’s role and Lebanon’s path forward through adherence to Resolution 1701 and the election of a new leader., 2024-10-28
This position statement maintains the urgency of ending impunity while reinforcing the international community’s role and Lebanon’s path forward through adherence to Resolution 1701 and the election of a new leader.
EMIL Statement on Ending Impunity and Restoring Lebanese Sovereignty
The Elias Moukheiber Institute for Lebanon (EMIL) condemns in the strongest terms the war crimes committed by Israel in Lebanon. These deliberate attacks target journalists, Lebanese Army soldiers rescuing civilians, UNIFIL peacekeeping forces, medical personnel, and innocent civilians across South Lebanon, Nabatiyeh, the Beqaa, and Beirut. In just three weeks, entire villages have been decimated, leaving a trail of destruction and loss.
This cycle of violence has been exacerbated by Hezbollah’s and Iran’s continued involvement in this conflict. Their actions have imposed a war on the Lebanese state and people, while their support actively fuels the escalation. Yet, despite these grievous violations, the international community has failed to respond with the necessary measures to stop this onslaught. Global powers have neither moved to disarm nor curb the militarization of Israel in response to these attacks, nor to pressure Iran to withdraw support for Hezbollah. This inaction, this silence, sets a deeply dangerous precedent, encouraging further disregard for human life and international law.
The responsibility to end impunity lies with all UN member states. The United Nations must rise to its mandate and address these crimes through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other established legal means to prevent further atrocities. Accountability cannot be selective, nor can it be delayed if the world is to prevent future escalations and cycles of violence.
The only path to peace and true Lebanese sovereignty lies in the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and the election of a new Lebanese president—an essential step in reclaiming Lebanon’s autonomy from both Hezbollah and foreign interference. We call on the international community to take immediate action to uphold international law, demand accountability, and support Lebanon in its pursuit of sovereignty and peace.
October 26, 2024
