The latest intensification of the conflict in the Middle East, and particularly in Lebanon, can and must still be de-escalated, to spare further civilian injuries and lives from being lost. Independent international investigations must be launched into apparent war crimes by Israeli soldiers, Hezbollah, Hamas or Huthi combatants to ensure justice for the victims.
The explosion of pagers, and subsequently walkie-talkies in Lebanon last week killed and injured Hezbollah members, as well as a number of civilians. An international investigation must be established into this apparent act of mass state terror, which precipitated the intensification of the exchanges of rocket fire between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters on the Israel-Lebanon border, increasingly far into each other’s territories. European Greens urgently call for de-escalation, for diplomatic efforts to be redoubled, and for Israeli ministers to rule out a ground invasion.
Although the attacks have not officially been claimed by any party, they are widely presumed to have been orchestrated by the Israeli government. On 18 September, the day after pagers which were thought to belong to Hezbollah fighters exploded, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that a “new era” of war with Lebanon had begun and praised the “excellent achievements” of Israeli security and intelligence. His statement has been interpreted as an implicit acknowledgement of Israel’s role in the attacks.
Over the last few weeks, with complete disregard for international law, the Israeli government has approved a number of new settlements in the Occupied West Bank, and failed to prevent violence from extremist settlers.
The UN General Assembly last week adopted a non-binding resolution demanding Israel end “its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months. This symbolic vote was voted for by 124 of all 193 member states of the UN, and puts pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government to take meaningful steps towards compliance with international law.
Over the weekend Al Jazeera’s Bureau in the West Bank was forced to shut down after a raid by the Israeli military. A free press is a cornerstone of any democracy and Netanyahu’s government attacking the media yet again shows their contempt for democratic institutions.
We urge all parties to the conflict, to cease the escalation of violence in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, to avoid the loss of more civilian lives.
We need a cease-fire agreement now, a two-state solution, the release of all hostages and an end to the violence.
