Amnesty International calls for investigations into Israeli attacks on medical facilities in Lebanon as potential war crimes. Documented incidents resulted in numerous casualties among healthcare workers and significant damage to vital medical infrastructure. The organization urges Lebanon to grant jurisdiction to the International Criminal Court and emphasizes the need for accountability in order to uphold international humanitarian law.
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the Israeli military’s attacks on healthcare facilities, ambulances, and medical workers during the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, emphasizing that these assaults likely constitute war crimes. The organization urges the Lebanese government to facilitate an inquiry through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and seek reparations for the victims of these violations of international humanitarian law.
In a report released on November 11, 2024, Amnesty International documented four separate assaults on healthcare infrastructure in Beirut and southern Lebanon from October 3 to October 9, 2024. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 19 healthcare personnel, injuries to 11 others, and the destruction of ambulances and medical facilities, further exacerbating an already compromised healthcare system during wartime.
Amnesty International’s findings assert that the Israeli military has not provided credible evidence of legitimate military targets at the sites of these assaults. Thus, such actions raised serious concerns over compliance with international humanitarian law. Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research at Amnesty, emphasized that these unlawful attacks cause severe consequences for civilians and called on Lebanon to act against suspected war criminals.
The report reveals that Israeli accusations against Hezbollah regarding the military use of medical facilities were not substantiated by the evidence collected during investigations. Amnesty International highlighted that even hospitals suspected of misuse retain some protected status under international law, thereby mandating that assaults can only occur if prior warnings allow civilians sufficient time to evacuate.
Amnesty International conducted interviews with 17 individuals, including medical workers and eyewitnesses, and scrutinized pertinent media documentation and social media content pertaining to the attacks. The organization reached out to the Israeli military for comments on its accusations, yet did not receive a reply prior to the publication date.
International humanitarian law safeguards medical personnel and institutions, declaring that they cannot be targeted unless directly participating in hostilities. The organization reiterated that medical workers aligned with armed groups like Hezbollah, solely engaged in humanitarian duties, must be protected from military attacks.
Following a ceasefire established in November 2024, healthcare workers reported their challenging conditions in healthcare delivery due to damaged infrastructure and the loss of colleagues. One worker shared the struggles his team faced operating from a temporary location while striving to support community medical needs.
Erika Guevara Rosas concluded that all attacks against medical personnel necessitate thorough investigations to ensure accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims. She stressed the importance of redress and the need for continued support in rebuilding the healthcare sector to prevent future humanitarian crises.
Amnesty International’s data indicates that, since the commencement of hostilities, Israeli attacks have significantly affected medical facilities and personnel in Lebanon. Analysis revealed the vulnerability of the healthcare system amidst already existing crises, including economic instability and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut explosion.
The report also highlighted multiple violations of the ceasefire agreed upon by Israel and Lebanon, underscoring the persistent threat to civilians. Humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty, continue to document unlawful strikes and casualties resulting from both Israeli military actions and Hezbollah’s responses against civilian areas.
In summary, the repeated Israeli assaults on healthcare facilities in Lebanon during the recent conflict warrant serious scrutiny as potential war crimes. Amnesty International urges both the Lebanese government and the international community to act decisively by granting jurisdiction to the ICC and ensuring accountability for these grave human rights violations. The protection of medical personnel and healthcare infrastructure remains critical, and any violations of international humanitarian law must be thoroughly investigated to promote justice and safeguard civilian lives.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
