French Court Opens War Crimes Probe Into 2024 Beirut Strike

Two investigating judges were appointed by the Paris Judicial Court to examine a war crimes complaint regarding an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. The appointment was confirmed by Clemence Bectarte, the lawyer for the complainant, who described the move as a first for such a case in France.

The judicial investigation focuses on an attack that occurred on the evening of November 26, 2024. At approximately 5:30 p.m., an airstrike targeted an apartment building in the Barbour district of central Beirut. The strike destroyed a ninth-floor apartment owned by Ali Cherri, along with units on the seventh and eighth floors.

Cherri filed the complaint as a civil party in the spring of 2026. He acted alongside the International Federation for Human Rights, known as FIDH. The filing argues that the bombing of a civilian structure constitutes a war crime under French criminal law and international humanitarian law. The legal team cited analysis from Forensic Architecture and Amnesty International to support their claims.

Six people died in the attack. Among the victims were Cherri’s parents, Mahmoud Naim Cherri and Nadira Hayek, and their domestic worker, Birki Negesa. Cherri stated that he has spent nearly two years seeking accountability for the deaths of his parents and five other civilians. He expressed hope that the French investigation would help end the impunity he believes Israeli officials enjoy regarding attacks on civilians in Lebanon and Palestine.

Amnesty International supported the case when it was first publicized. The organization stated that its own investigation found no evidence of a military objective in or near the building at the time of the strike. It also noted that civilians received no effective advance warning. The group concluded that the attack should be investigated as a war crime.

The strike took place hours before a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel was set to take effect. The conflict escalated into a full-scale war in September 2024. Israel launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon and targeted senior Hezbollah figures, including Hassan Nasrallah. The war resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, a figure that does not differentiate between civilians and fighters. On the Israeli side, 47 civilians and roughly 80 soldiers were killed.

The Israel Defense Forces have been contacted for comment. In previous statements, the IDF said it follows international legal norms and targets only legitimate military objectives. The military has emphasized that Hezbollah operates within civilian areas. A new round of fighting began in March 2026 after the United States and Israel attacked Iran. Hezbollah resumed missile fire, and Israel responded with an aerial campaign and a ground invasion. More than 1,200 people have been killed in Lebanon since that new phase began.

The next step in the French legal process will involve the two appointed judges conducting their inquiry. The Paris Judicial Court’s crimes against humanity unit will oversee the proceedings. No further public hearings have been scheduled at this time.