Amnesty International urges an investigation into Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s health sector during the recent conflict, deeming them potential war crimes. Reports indicate significant assaults on medical facilities that resulted in numerous casualties and substantial damage. The organization emphasizes the necessity of accountability and the protection of healthcare under international law.
Amnesty International stated that Israel’s attacks on Lebanon’s health sector during the recent conflict need investigation as war crimes. The organization highlighted that attacks on ambulances, paramedics, and health facilities violate international law and called for an inquiry into these acts. It urged the Lebanese government to empower the International Criminal Court to exercise jurisdiction over crimes committed on Lebanese territory and to ensure victims can seek justice.
Throughout the conflict, Israeli forces targeted multiple healthcare facilities, claiming that Hezbollah misused ambulances from the Islamic Health Committee for military purposes. Hezbollah denied these accusations. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s then Health Minister, Firass Abiad, reported significant assaults on the medical sector, detailing 67 attacks on hospitals, resulting in 16 deaths, and 238 strikes against emergency response teams with 206 fatalities.
Amnesty investigated four attacks from October 3 to 9, which resulted in the deaths of 19 healthcare workers and 11 injuries, alongside damage to ambulances and medical facilities. They found no evidence indicating that the targeted facilities or vehicles were engaged in military activities during the attacks. The rights organization emphasized the need for the Israeli military to justify its actions, as insufficient explanations have contributed to a weakened healthcare system in Lebanon.
The Lebanese health ministry reported over 4,000 casualties resulting from Israeli actions during the conflict, which commenced shortly after the Gaza Strip military campaign on October 7, 2023. The destruction in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut is significant, with estimated reconstruction costs exceeding $10 billion, according to Lebanese officials.
Amnesty International has called for investigations into Israel’s military actions in Lebanon that targeted healthcare facilities as potential war crimes. The allegations include attacks on hospitals and emergency services during the conflict, which led to considerable loss of life and damage. The lack of military justification from Israel for these attacks raises critical concerns about the impact on Lebanon’s healthcare system and the need for accountability.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
