The framework deal signed between Israel and Lebanon last month “threatens to betray war crimes victims in Lebanon”, human rights groups say according to Al Jazeera.

“Parts of the text appear to be aimed at preventing victims of serious international crimes from seeking justice before international forums. Others seem to acquiesce to the prolonged and indefinite forced displacement of tens of thousands of residents of vast swathes of southern Lebanon occupied by Israeli forces,” Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

“Time and time again we have seen civilians in Lebanon pay the price for successive cycles of conflict and serious violations and crimes under international law with no accountability,” said Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnes Callamard.

“Victims of war crimes and other violations deserve justice. Any agreement that fails to centre their rights to justice, accountability, and reparations will falter underneath the very impunity it builds.”