HRW accuses 'Israel' of committing war crimes in Lebanon

• Report says 'Israeli' strike killed journalist Amal Khalil.
• HRW confirms rescue efforts were obstructed.
• Rights group urges sanctions and accountability.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has formally accused the 'Israeli' military of committing war crimes during military strikes on April 22, 2026, targeting the southern Lebanese town of Al-Tiri, which resulted in the assassination of journalist Amal Khalil and the injury of her colleague Faraj.

In a statement issued from its New York headquarters, the international rights organization affirmed that 'Israeli' military command was fully aware, or should have known, that Khalil and Faraj were civilians entitled to full protection under international law.

HRW based its conclusions on verified photographic evidence, video footage, eyewitness testimonies, and a deconfliction request submitted by the Lebanese Red Cross to the 'Israeli' military via the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Three-stage strike sequence 

According to the HRW report, the attack unfolded in a distinct three-stage sequence:

• First Strike: The initial airstrike resulted in two fatalities.
• Second Strike: The second airstrike directly struck the two journalists' vehicle, inflicting injuries on Amal Khalil.
• Third Strike: A drone subsequently tracked the two journalists as they sought refuge in a nearby structure, after which a third strike completely destroyed the building in which they were hiding.

The report further revealed that the 'Israeli' military intentionally obstructed field rescue operations by deploying a drone to drop a sound bomb directly targeting paramedics.

This action forced Lebanese Red Cross crews to retreat, preventing them from administering emergency first aid.

As a consequence of the delayed medical care, Khalil later succumbed to severe head bleeding, according to the official medical report issued by Tebnine Governmental Hospital.

Calls for arms embargo, sanctions, and international prosecutionRamzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at HRW, emphasized that the documented evidence confirms beyond a shadow of a doubt that the 'Israeli' military was aware of the civilian identity of the two women, yet deliberately targeted them and barred rescue personnel from reaching them for long hours.

In response to these violations, Human Rights Watch urged 'Israel's' allies to immediately cease all transfers of weapons and military assistance and to impose sanctions on involved officials.

The organization also called on Lebanese authorities to initiate domestic investigations and strengthen legal mechanisms to prosecute war crimes before international courts.