Amnesty and South Africa Criticize Israeli Actions in Lebanon and Gaza
Amnesty International urges an investigation into Israel’s attacks on healthcare during the conflict with Hezbollah, labeling them as war crimes. Meanwhile, South Africa denounces Israel’s blockade on Gaza aid, claiming it weaponizes starvation, and highlights the dire humanitarian crisis. Both situations raise serious concerns regarding international law and the rights of civilians in conflict zones.
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into Israel’s assaults on ambulances, healthcare personnel, and medical facilities during its recent conflict with Hezbollah, characterizing these actions as potential war crimes. A truce agreement reached on November 27 has temporarily ceased hostilities that persisted for over a year, including intense fighting in which Israel deployed ground troops against Hezbollah. During this period, the Israeli military accused Hezbollah of misusing ambulances for military purposes, which Hezbollah has denied.
Amnesty International asserted that, “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 grant the International Criminal Court the jurisdiction necessary to investigate and prosecute incidents under the Rome Statute occurring on Lebanese territory, ensuring victims receive justice.
Lebanon’s former health minister, Firass Abiad, reported that throughout the conflict, hospitals faced 67 attacks, with 40 being direct hits, resulting in 16 fatalities. Additionally, emergency response organizations experienced 238 attacks, leading to the deaths of 206 individuals and damage to 256 emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks.
Amnesty’s inquiry revealed four specific Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities and vehicles in Beirut and southern Lebanon during the early days of the conflict, resulting in 19 fatalities among healthcare workers and injuries to 11 more. Its findings indicated that these facilities were not engaged in military operations at the time of the assaults. Despite efforts to contact the Israeli military regarding their report, Amnesty has yet to receive a response.
The organization emphasized that there has been insufficient justification by the Israeli military regarding the attacks, noting that these actions have severely disrupted an already weak healthcare system. According to Lebanese officials, the hostilities have taken over 4,000 lives and led to extensive destruction, leaving reconstruction expenses expected to surpass $10 billion.
On another note, South Africa condemned Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza, asserting it constituted the utilization of starvation as a weapon of war. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires urgent attention concerning food, shelter, and medical supplies amid Israel’s actions to halt aid deliveries unless Hamas accepts certain conditions. The South African government described this blockade as part of an ongoing strategy leading to potential genocide against the Palestinian population, as previously ruled by the International Court of Justice.
South Africa has previously levelled accusations against Israel in its case before the ICJ regarding violations of the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, a claim that Israel vehemently disputes. Furthermore, the South African government condemned Israel’s offensive actions in the occupied West Bank, which it views as escalating tensions that threaten Palestinian self-determination and statehood aspirations. The South African ministry expressed that these actions suggest a renewed full-scale military occupation in the West Bank.
In summary, Amnesty International’s call for an investigation into Israel’s military actions during its conflict with Hezbollah underscores concerns regarding potential breaches of international law. Further, South Africa’s condemnation of Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza highlights ongoing humanitarian issues and calls for accountability. The situations in both Lebanon and Gaza reveal significant challenges, warranting global attention and action regarding the rights and safety of affected civilians.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
