A/HRC/3/2
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time for the population to leave, and in any event, civilians were at risk of being attacked if they
did leave and did not have access to safe humanitarian exit corridors. The Commission
addresses cases of attacks on convoys of civilians, such as those from Marwaheen and
Marjayoun, where IDF clearly must have known that these were not a legitimate military target.
Often these warnings contributed to creating a climate of fear and panic among the civilian
population.
15.
In the same vein, the Commission documented various cases of direct attacks on medical
and relief personnel. The Commission received various testimonies regarding the obstacles and
difficulties the medical and humanitarian relief personnel had to face in reaching civilians in
need of medical care and humanitarian assistance due to IDF-imposed constraints. The
concurrence system adopted to satisfy IDF requirements was not adapted for an efficient
humanitarian assistance. On a number of occasions the IDF conducted hostilities either directly
against relief assistance movements or indirectly.
16.
One of the most striking aspects of the conflict was the massive displacement of civilians.
According to Government estimates, nearly one quarter of the population was displaced
between 12 July and 14 August, with approximately 735,000 seeking shelter within Lebanon
and 230,000 abroad. Much of the displacement in Lebanon was the result, either direct or
indirect, of indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian property and infrastructure, as well as
the climate of fear and panic among the civilian population caused by the warnings, threats and
attacks by IDF. The Commission highlights a number of concerns related to the protection of
displaced persons, as well as those who were unable to flee, notably the constant and pernicious
threat posed by cluster munitions.
17.
The Commission met a number of individuals who told of being detained, mistreated
and/or abducted and transferred to Israel before being released.
18.
The Commission notes with concern the impact of the conflict on vulnerable groups. It
was estimated that one third of the casualties and deaths were children. Many of the survivors
will have to live with the trauma produced by the conflict. Women and the elderly were also
particularly affected, as well as migrant workers.
19.
The Commission considered it important to analyze the attacks on UNIFIL and Observer
Group Lebanon (OGL) positions which were either directly hit by IDF fire or were the object of
firing close to their positions, including the deaths of four unarmed United Nations observers at
the Khiyam base. The Commission has found no justification for the 30 direct attacks by the
IDF on United Nations positions, including those which resulted in deaths and injury to protected
United Nations personnel.
20.
During the conflict, major damage was inflicted on civilian infrastructure, including
critical infrastructure. According to the Government of Lebanon, 32 “vital points” were targeted
by IDF, 109 bridges and 137 roads damaged. The destruction of the land transportation network
had a huge impact on humanitarian assistance and on the free movement of displaced civilians.
Housing, water facilities, schools, medical facilities, numerous mosques and churches, TV
and radio transmission stations, historical, archaeological and cultural sites also suffered
massive damage. The economic infrastructure was targeted by aerial bombardment and
127 factories were hit by IDF strikes. In addition, agriculture and tourism were particularly hit.
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