Amnesty Calls for Investigation of Israeli Attacks on Lebanon’s Health Sector
Amnesty International has requested an investigation into Israel’s attacks on health facilities and workers in Lebanon, labeling them as potential war crimes. The organization documented numerous assaults that resulted in casualties among healthcare personnel and significant destruction of medical properties. Former Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad reported extensive attacks during the recent conflict, underscoring the need for accountability and scrutiny under international law.
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into Israel’s attacks on the health sector in Lebanon, categorizing these actions as potential war crimes. The advocacy group emphasized that attacks on ambulances, paramedics, and healthcare facilities occurring during the recent conflict necessitate scrutiny under international law. A truce established on November 27 ended a year-long hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, which included two months of intense warfare and a ground invasion by Israeli forces.
Amnesty firmly stated, “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 urged the Lebanese government to empower the International Criminal Court to investigate and prosecute crimes committed on Lebanese soil, advocating for the rights of victims.
During the conflict, the Israeli military justified its attacks by alleging that Hezbollah was utilizing ambulances for military purposes, a claim the group has refuted. A request for comment from the Israeli military regarding Amnesty’s claims went unanswered.
Former Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad reported 67 attacks on hospitals, with 40 hospitals intentionally targeted, resulting in 16 fatalities. Additionally, there were 238 assaults on emergency response organizations, leading to 206 fatalities, and 256 emergency vehicles sustained direct attacks.
Amnesty’s investigation covered four attacks on healthcare facilities and vehicles in Beirut and southern Lebanon from October 3 to 9 last year, which left 19 healthcare workers dead and 11 wounded. Findings indicated no evidence supporting claims that these facilities were employed for military purposes at the time of the attacks.
Following the investigation, Amnesty communicated with the Israeli military but did not receive a reply by the publication date. The report highlighted that the Israeli military had not provided adequate justifications or evidence to substantiate military operations at the locations of the attacks, which severely undermined Lebanon’s healthcare system.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israel’s military actions resulted in over 4,000 fatalities during the conflict that erupted after Israel initiated a military assault in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. Substantial damage was inflicted upon large areas in southern Lebanon and specific neighborhoods of Beirut, with reconstruction costs projected to exceed $10 billion, as per Lebanese government estimates.
Amnesty International’s report stresses the urgent need for accountability regarding Israel’s attacks on Lebanon’s health sector, highlighting potential violations of international law. The call for an investigation into these actions emphasizes the importance of protecting medical facilities and workers. As the conflict resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage, the international community faces pressing questions on justice and reparations for the affected populations.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
