The Iranian strike on Israel’s Beit Shemesh three weeks ago, which killed nine civilians, injured 46 and reduced a bomb shelter and synagogue to rubble, must be investigated as a war crime, Amnesty International has said, adding that there was no military objective within the vicinity of the attack.
“The weapon used in Iran’s strike on the Ramat Lehi neighborhood in Israel is wildly inaccurate and carries a massive warhead, making it completely inappropriate for use in densely populated civilian areas,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director of Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns.
Amnesty’s investigation used verified digital evidence shared on social media, as well as photos and videos collected from the site of the strike. The organisation also interviewed four survivors of the attack and a rescue worker who arrived soon after the strike. In addition, the organisation analysed satellite imagery of the site before and after the attack to corroborate the scale of destruction which extended across a 500m radius.
“This attack destroyed a synagogue and a bomb shelter – two places that should have been areas of refuge and safety for civilians. Nine civilians were killed, including four children. The strike must be investigated as a war crime,” said Guevara-Rosas.
“The Iranian authorities’ use of a ballistic missile in this attack renders it indiscriminate and therefore a violation of international humanitarian law. Launching an indiscriminate attack that causes civilian deaths, injuries or damage to civilian objects constitutes a war crime. There must be an independent and impartial investigation, and anyone for whom there is sufficient evidence of responsibility must be prosecuted in a fair trial.”
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