Israel's recent airstrikes on the Al-Qard Al-Hasan bank in Lebanon were condemned as violations of international law by UN human rights expert Ben Saul. The bank, which provides interest-free loans and charitable services, was bombed after Israel claimed it was linked to Hezbollah.
Saul stated that such economic institutions cannot be targeted as military objectives, even if they have indirect ties to adversary operations.
Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, emphasized that international humanitarian law only permits attacks on military objectives that offer a clear military advantage. He warned that bombing civilian infrastructure, like banks, blurs the line between military and civilian targets and jeopardizes civilian safety.
"Bombing banks opens the door to total war against civilian populations," Saul said, highlighting the potential for further escalation of violence. He also stressed that counterterrorism laws do not authorize military strikes on financial institutions to combat alleged terrorist financing or money laundering.
Instead of military action, Saul advocated for legal measures, such as criminal and administrative procedures, to address financial crimes. He stated that bombings are not a lawful solution to the challenges of regulating terrorism financing.
The strikes are part of a broader escalation of violence in Lebanon, which has seen over 2,400 deaths and 1.2 million people displaced in the past year, according to the UN. Saul and other UN officials have called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to protect civilians.
Saul stated that such economic institutions cannot be targeted as military objectives, even if they have indirect ties to adversary operations.
Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, emphasized that international humanitarian law only permits attacks on military objectives that offer a clear military advantage. He warned that bombing civilian infrastructure, like banks, blurs the line between military and civilian targets and jeopardizes civilian safety.
"Bombing banks opens the door to total war against civilian populations," Saul said, highlighting the potential for further escalation of violence. He also stressed that counterterrorism laws do not authorize military strikes on financial institutions to combat alleged terrorist financing or money laundering.
Instead of military action, Saul advocated for legal measures, such as criminal and administrative procedures, to address financial crimes. He stated that bombings are not a lawful solution to the challenges of regulating terrorism financing.
The strikes are part of a broader escalation of violence in Lebanon, which has seen over 2,400 deaths and 1.2 million people displaced in the past year, according to the UN. Saul and other UN officials have called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to protect civilians.
