Amnesty International Calls for Investigation into Israeli Attacks on Lebanon’s Health Sector

Amnesty International has called for an investigation into Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities in Lebanon, proposing that these actions may constitute war crimes. Despite Israeli military claims of combat use of ambulances by Hezbollah, Amnesty found no evidence supporting such allegations. The reports indicate significant fatalities and damage to healthcare infrastructure, raising concerns for accountability in war-related actions.

Amnesty International has urged for an investigation into Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities during the recent conflict in Lebanon, stating these actions should be classified as war crimes. The organization’s statement follows a truce on November 27 that marked the end of over a year of hostilities, including two months of intensive Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon.

According to Amnesty International, “the Israeli military’s repeated unlawful attacks during the war in Lebanon on health facilities, ambulances, and health workers, which are protected under international law, must be investigated as war crimes.” The organization is advocating for the Lebanese government to grant jurisdiction to the International Criminal Court to enable prosecution of these alleged crimes.

During the conflict, Israel’s military was reported to have attacked numerous healthcare facilities and personnel. These attacks were reportedly justified by claims that Hezbollah was misusing ambulances for combat purposes. However, Hezbollah has denied these allegations.

In a report issued by Lebanon’s former health minister, Firass Abiad, it was disclosed that there were 67 attacks on hospitals, with 40 of these facilities specifically targeted, resulting in 16 fatalities. Moreover, 238 assaults on emergency response organizations led to the deaths of 206 individuals, and the destruction of 256 emergency vehicles, including ambulances.

Amnesty conducted an investigation of four Israeli strikes on health-related sites in Beirut and southern Lebanon from October 3 to 9, which resulted in the deaths of 19 medical workers and injured 11 others. The organization concluded there was no evidence indicating the attacked facilities were being utilized for military operations at the time.

In November, Amnesty International reached out to the Israeli military regarding these findings but did not receive a response. The report emphasizes that the Israeli military has not provided adequate justification for the attacks, contributing to the decline of an already vulnerable healthcare system in Lebanon.

Furthermore, the Lebanese health ministry reports that over 4,000 individuals lost their lives due to Israeli actions during the conflict, which intensified following Israel’s military response to the situation in Gaza on October 7, 2023. Significant damage was inflicted upon southern and eastern Lebanon, including parts of Beirut, with reconstruction costs estimated to exceed $10 billion.

In summary, Amnesty International has called for a thorough investigation into Israeli military actions that targeted healthcare facilities in Lebanon, citing potential violations of international law and war crimes. With numerous incidents reported, including attacks on ambulances and healthcare workers, there is a growing concern regarding the implications for Lebanon’s fragile healthcare system. The calls for accountability and jurisdiction involving the International Criminal Court highlight the need for a structured response to the alleged atrocities committed during this recent conflict.

Original Source: www.newarab.com