Arabic version: منظمات حقوق الإنسان تنتقد اتفاق إسرائيل ولبنان لضحايا جرائم الحرب
A recent framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon has drawn sharp criticism from prominent human rights organizations, which argue it undermines the rights of war crimes victims. According to Al Jazeera, six organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, released a joint statement expressing concern that the deal could obstruct victims from seeking justice in international courts.
The agreement, signed on June 26, 2026, in Washington by Israel’s Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh, contains clauses that prevent Lebanon and Israel from accessing international legal forums. The organizations highlighted clauses 3 and 13 as particularly troubling, noting that they could hinder accountability for serious international crimes committed in Lebanon.
Critics argue that the deal fails to address the ongoing Israeli occupation and does not compel Israel to withdraw its forces from occupied territories. The framework has faced backlash from many Lebanese, especially those directly affected by the conflict, which has resulted in at least 4,300 casualties and widespread displacement.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun defended the agreement, asserting it does not legitimize the Israeli occupation but aims to empower the Lebanese army. He emphasized the need for Lebanon to assert its sovereignty and manage its own security.
Despite a ceasefire established on June 21, many displaced individuals in southern Lebanon find themselves without homes due to destruction caused by the conflict. Reports indicate that while 646,107 internally displaced persons have begun to return, about 500,000 others remain displaced, facing an uncertain future.
