Analysis: Do Lebanon explosions violate the laws of war? – Al Jazeera English

The devastating explosions that rocked Beirut, Lebanon on August 4th have raised questions about whether or not they violate the laws of war. The explosions, which were caused by the detonation of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at the port, resulted in at least 200 deaths, thousands of injuries, and widespread destruction throughout the city.

According to international humanitarian law, the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure is prohibited during armed conflict. The explosions in Beirut, which caused massive destruction to residential areas, hospitals, and schools, clearly resulted in harm to civilians and civilian objects.

Furthermore, the failure of Lebanese authorities to properly store and secure the highly explosive material for years has raised questions about their compliance with their obligations under international law to protect civilians and civilian objects during times of conflict.

Human rights organizations and legal experts have called for a thorough investigation into the explosions in order to determine whether or not they constitute a violation of the laws of war. The Lebanese government has stated that it will conduct a transparent investigation into the incident, but many are skeptical of their ability to do so effectively given their track record of corruption and incompetence.

The explosions in Beirut have not only caused immense human suffering and loss, but have also raised important questions about the legal and ethical responsibilities of states in times of conflict. As the international community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is crucial that we hold those responsible to account and ensure that justice is served for the victims of this horrific event.