Amnesty International and South Africa Demand Accountability for Israeli Military Actions

Amnesty International has urged investigations into Israeli actions in Lebanon during the recent conflict with Hezbollah, labeling them war crimes. Concurrently, South Africa condemned Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza as a war tactic, demanding international accountability. The situation remains dire with significant casualties and damage reported, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention.

Amnesty International has called for an investigation into Israeli military actions targeting ambulances, paramedics, and healthcare facilities in Lebanon during the recent conflict with Hezbollah, categorizing these actions as potential war crimes. Following a ceasefire agreement on November 27, which concluded extensive hostilities, Amnesty urged the Lebanese government to enable the International Criminal Court to hold accountable those responsible for these violations on Lebanese territory.

During the conflict, Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad reported significant damages, including 67 attacks on hospitals, which directly impacted 40 facilities, resulting in 16 fatalities. Additionally, emergency response organizations faced 238 assaults that left 206 individuals dead. Amnesty’s own investigation revealed that between October 3 and 9, there were four specific attacks that resulted in the death of 19 healthcare workers, alongside substantial damage to medical vehicles.

The rights group confirmed that it found no evidence indicating that the affected healthcare facilities were being employed for military purposes during these assaults. They noted the absence of adequate justification or evidence from the Israeli military to validate their strikes, which have severely impacted Lebanon’s fragile healthcare system. Furthermore, more than 4,000 fatalities were reported, with reconstruction costs anticipated to exceed $10 billion due to the extensive damage across southern areas and Beirut suburbs.

In a related development, South Africa condemned the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, suggesting it constitutes the use of starvation as a tactic of warfare. The South African foreign ministry described the situation as the continuation of a campaign, referenced in their case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging genocide against Palestinians. They emphasized the urgent need for food, shelter, and medical supplies for the people of Gaza, calling for international accountability against Israel.

The Israeli military’s ongoing operations have provoked further concerns from South Africa, particularly regarding the expanded military presence in the occupied West Bank, which they deem a dangerous escalation in the context of Palestinian self-determination. The situation has drawn international scrutiny, with various nations supporting South Africa’s arguments before the ICJ.

Amnesty International’s calls for investigations into Israeli military actions in Lebanon highlight serious concerns about potential war crimes, particularly regarding attacks on healthcare professionals and facilities. Concurrently, South Africa’s denunciation of Israel’s blockade in Gaza underscores a broader humanitarian crisis, demanding urgent international attention and accountability. The extensive casualties and high reconstruction costs following these conflicts reflect a dire situation that requires immediate remedial measures.

Original Source: www.dawn.com