An analysis by Human Rights Watch highlights Israel's mass displacement strategies in Lebanon, drawing parallels to actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Human Rights Watch has documented that Israeli attacks in Lebanon have displaced more than a million people, representing nearly one-fifth of Lebanon's population, as stated in an opinion piece by Nadia Hardman published on Al Jazeera.
These evacuations include large areas of southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs, where residents, primarily Shia, have fled to shelters, relatives' homes, or along the coastline following Israeli orders.
Patterns of Displacement
The organization notes similar tactics in the occupied Palestinian territory, where entire refugee camps and neighborhoods in Gaza were evacuated under threats of air strikes, forcing nearly all two million residents to relocate.
In the West Bank, Operation Iron Wall in early 2025 led to the displacement of 32,000 Palestinians from three refugee camps, with individuals barred from returning after home demolitions.
International law requires that any civilian displacement be temporary and justified by military necessity, with safe return ensured afterward, according to the analysis.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on March 16 that displaced Shiite residents of southern Lebanon would not return until Israel's northern security is guaranteed, raising concerns of permanent expulsion based on religion.
Human Rights Watch asserts that such actions in Gaza and the West Bank amounted to war crimes, and urges governments to impose sanctions, suspend arms transfers, and support International Criminal Court investigations to prevent further violations in Lebanon.
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