Statement by the Head of the ICRC Delegation in Lebanon, Ms. Agnès Dorr: ICRC/Iraqi Red Crescent Follow-up

The escalation of hostilities in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut is exacerbating the impact of the conflict on civilians and the vital infrastructure they depend on, and the evacuation warnings covering large areas of the country are causing massive waves of internal displacement.

The people are taking shelter in the open on the roadsides and along the coastline living under the constant threat of military aircrafts overhead, fearing for their lives and the safety of their loved ones. Many of the areas affected by the evacuation warnings have become ghost towns, except for the times when the residents risk returning to check on their homes and belongings between daily raids. Others have chosen to remain in the affected areas despite the risk, not because they feel safe, but simply because they have nowhere else to go.

The civilians, whether they leave or stay, are protected under the international humanitarian law. An evacuation warning does not absolve parties to the conflict of their obligations under the rules of war, including the protection of the lives of all those not participating in the fighting.

It is also crucial that civilians have the right to return to their homes as soon as they are deemed safe. The rules of war must be respected to ensure that civilians have a place to return to. Hospitals, schools, and water and electricity networks must be protected so that they can serve these populations upon their return. The use of heavy explosive weapons in populated areas must be avoided. The way the conflict is conducted today will have immediate and long-term consequences for the lives of civilians, even after the cessation of hostilities.