Amnesty International urges an investigation into Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s health sector as potential war crimes. The report highlights unlawful actions against health facilities and personnel during the recent conflict, emphasizing the need for accountability and jurisdiction by the International Criminal Court. Significant loss of life and damage have been reported, exacerbating an already fragile healthcare system in Lebanon.
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into Israeli attacks on the health sector in Lebanon during the recent conflict, characterizing these acts as potential war crimes. A truce reached on November 27 effectively concluded a year-long conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel, which included two months of intense fighting with ground incursions by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
Amnesty highlighted that the Israeli military conducted unlawful attacks on health facilities, ambulances, and personnel, activities protected by international law, during the hostilities. The organization urged the Lebanese government to grant the International Criminal Court jurisdiction to investigate crimes within the territory based on the Rome Statute and to ensure victims receive proper remedies.
Throughout the conflict, the Israeli military targeted numerous healthcare facilities, justifying these actions by alleging that Hezbollah misused ambulances for combat purposes, an assertion the group has refuted. Despite requests for comments from the Israeli military concerning Amnesty’s findings, no response had been provided at the time of reporting.
Lebanon’s former health minister, Firass Abiad, reported 67 targeted attacks on hospitals during the conflict, resulting in 16 casualties. Additionally, there were 238 assaults on emergency services, leading to 206 fatalities and damage to 256 emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks.
Amnesty’s investigation into attacks between October 3 and October 9 revealed that 19 healthcare workers were killed, while 11 sustained injuries and several ambulances and medical facilities were damaged or destroyed. The organization found no evidence supporting claims that these targets were being used for military objectives at the time of the attacks.
The organization had communicated its findings to the Israeli military in November but received no acknowledgment or justification for the strikes. Amnesty criticized the military for failing to provide adequate explanations for the attacks that undermined an already fragile healthcare infrastructure.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, over 4,000 individuals lost their lives due to Israeli actions, which commenced shortly after an Israeli military operation in Gaza on October 7, 2023. Israeli bombardments inflicted extensive destruction across southern regions, eastern areas, and parts of Beirut, with reconstruction costs projected to exceed $10 billion, according to Lebanese authorities.
In summary, Amnesty International’s report highlights significant concerns regarding Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s health sector during the recent conflict, suggesting these may constitute war crimes. The organization urges further investigation and accountability, emphasizing the devastating impact on healthcare infrastructure and civilian lives. With substantial loss of life and damage reported, the need for thorough examination and response to these incidents is increasingly critical.
Original Source: www.newarab.com