Amnesty International calls for global investigation after deadly explosions in Lebanon and Syria News
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Amnesty International calls for global investigation after deadly explosions in Lebanon and Syria

Amnesty International on Friday called for an international investigation into simultaneous explosions across Lebanon and Syria which killed at least 37 people, including 12 civilians, and injured over 2,931.

The rights group highlighted that the use of explosive devices in civilian areas constitutes an indiscriminate attack, breaching international humanitarian law. Amnesty International deputy director for the Middle East Aya Majzoub called for an immediate international investigation to hold those responsible accountable, describing the attack as “a flagrant disregard for the right to life.”

The explosions were triggered by booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies that were allegedly sold to Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed militant group and political party, by a shell company linked to Israeli intelligence services. The first wave of explosions occurred on September 17, when thousands of pagers distributed among Hezbollah operatives and civilians detonated simultaneously. The following day, walkie-talkies distributed across Lebanon also exploded, killing 25 more and injuring hundreds.

Along with Amnesty International, the UN and multiple human rights groups have strongly condemned the violations of international law. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged global action, condemning the mass explosions as a violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Türk highlighted that targeting individuals indiscriminately — without knowing who possessed the devices or their exact locations — was a clear breach of these laws. He stated, “The fear and terror unleashed is profound.” Türk also called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation to hold those responsible accountable.

The UN Security Council convened an emergency session on Friday and discussed the implications of the simultaneous explosions. Council members called for restraint from all parties, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and urging an independent investigation into the explosions to hold those responsible accountable.

The explosions have heightened tensions in the region, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declaring that a “new era of war” with Lebanon is beginning. The Lebanese population, already reeling from economic crises and ongoing hostilities, now reports facing widespread fear and trauma, with many citizens too terrified to use electronic devices.

 

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