BEIRUT: Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday warned that Israeli airstrikes near the main Lebanon-Syria border crossing are putting civilians in danger, obstructing humanitarian operations, and preventing people from fleeing the conflict.
The Israeli military said on Friday that it had targeted Hezbollah positions near the Masnaa border crossing in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley. The area has been a critical point for civilians trying to escape the escalating violence, as well as a route for humanitarian aid.
Syrian transport ministry official Sleiman Khalil said on Monday that while the road remained “completely cut off to vehicle traffic,” people could still cross on foot.
HRW warned that the Israeli strikes were “impeding civilians trying to flee and disrupting humanitarian operations,” leading to significant civilian risks. The organization also said that even if the crossing is being used for military purposes, “an Israeli attack on a legitimate military target may still be unlawful if it causes disproportionate harm to civilians.”
HRW urged both Israel and Hezbollah to ensure civilian safety, noting that the Lebanese group also bears responsibility for failing to protect civilians if it uses civilian areas for military purposes.
The situation remains dire, with Red Crescent volunteers assisting civilians in crossing the border on foot as the road remains inaccessible.
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 370,000 people have crossed from Lebanon into Syria since late September, including Syrian nationals, Palestinians, Sudanese, and other nationalities.
Filippo Grandi, head of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), said Monday that while the flow of refugees has slowed, hundreds of people are still crossing daily. He said that Red Crescent workers are helping people transport goods across the border as vehicle traffic remains blocked.
Lama Fakih, HRW’s Middle East director, stressed the danger posed by the Israeli strikes. “By making a border crossing inaccessible at a time when hundreds of thousands are fleeing and in need of aid, the Israeli military is threatening considerable civilian harm,” she stated.
Even if the crossing is used for military purposes, Israel must weigh the civilian risks against its military objectives, she added.
