Effectiveness of the legal framework for humanitarian assistance during armed conflicts: The aggression against Lebanon as a case study

Abstract

This research seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the international legal framework in regulating and delivering humanitarian aid during armed conflicts, primarily focusing on Israel’s recent aggression against Lebanon as a case study. Although international humanitarian laws stipulate the protection of civilians and alleviating their suffering, the practical implementation of these laws faces numerous challenges. These challenges encompass political and security obstacles, the refusal of some parties to cooperate with humanitarian organizations, and the exploitation of aid as a means to achieve political or military objectives, which negatively affects the neutrality and independence of humanitarian aids. The research is limited to studying the case of the recent Israeli aggression on Lebanon, which may affect the possibility of generalizing the results to other contexts. The researchers employed a descriptive, analytical, and critical approach to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework regulating humanitarian aid during armed conflicts. The analysis manifested that obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian laws, potentially leading the parties concerned to be held accountable for international criminal responsibility. Based on these findings, the research recommends activating the role of international bodies in holding accountable those who impede the delivery of humanitarian aid and calls for the promulgation of a comprehensive international agreement to regulate this field. Additionally, the research advocates for the establishment of clear mechanisms to ensure the neutrality and independence of humanitarian aid and to facilitate its access to those in need.

Keywords: Aggression, Armed Conflicts, Humanitarian Aid, International humanitarian laws, Lebanon