Amnesty International demands an investigation into Israeli military attacks on healthcare facilities in Lebanon as potential war crimes. During recent fighting, multiple attacks resulted in numerous casualties among healthcare workers and significant damage to medical infrastructure. The organization calls on Lebanon to ensure the ICC is equipped to investigate and prosecute these violations of international law.
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the Israeli military’s repeated illegal attacks on healthcare facilities, ambulances, and health workers during the recent conflict in Lebanon. These actions, which breach international humanitarian law, pose a severe risk to civilian lives and the already fragile healthcare system in Lebanon. The organization urges the Lebanese government to advocate for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate these acts as potential war crimes.
Between October 3 and October 9, 2024, four Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of 19 healthcare workers and injuries to 11 others. Various ambulances and medical facilities were damaged or destroyed, exacerbating the healthcare crisis during an ongoing war. Despite claims by the Israeli military that these facilities were used for military purposes, Amnesty found no sufficient evidence to justify the attacks, underscoring the need for accountability.
Erika Guevara Rosas from Amnesty International stated, “Israel’s unlawful attacks on medical facilities and personnel are not only serious violations of international humanitarian law and likely war crimes but also have devastating consequences for civilians.” The organization emphasizes the necessity for Lebanon to join the Rome Statute of the ICC to facilitate jurisdiction for investigating such crimes.
Furthermore, it was noted that the Lebanese healthcare system was already under significant strain due to prior crises, including an economic downturn and the aftermath of the Beirut Port explosion. The ongoing conflict has compounded these issues, prompting calls for urgent international support and adherence to humanitarian law in armed conflicts.
The investigation included interviews with witnesses, medical workers, and family members of victims, along with the verification of visual evidence from the attacks. Amnesty International sent its findings to the Israeli military but received no response, highlighting the urgent need for international oversight in such incidents.
In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in Lebanon has raised serious concerns regarding breaches of international humanitarian law by Israeli military forces through attacks on healthcare facilities and workers. Amnesty International’s call for the ICC to investigate these incidents emphasizes the critical need for accountability. The devastating effects of these attacks on Lebanon’s already fragile healthcare system highlight the urgency for international intervention and adherence to humanitarian standards in war. As the conflict continues and ceasefire agreements are tenuous, it is imperative that all parties involved respect the sanctity of medical facilities and personnel to protect civilian lives and restore healthcare in Lebanon.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
