Amnesty International has urged a probe into Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s health sector as potential war crimes, citing unlawful assaults on ambulances and medical facilities during the recent conflict. The organization called on the Lebanese government to enable the International Criminal Court to investigate these crimes and protect victims’ rights. There were significant casualties and damage reported, raising serious concerns about the deteriorating healthcare landscape in Lebanon.
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s health sector during the recent conflict, categorizing them as potential war crimes. These attacks involved strikes against ambulances, paramedics, and medical facilities. Following a truce on November 27, which ended more than a year of hostilities, Amnesty emphasized the need to hold accountable the unlawful actions aimed at health facilities under international law.
The organization urged the Lebanese government to grant the International Criminal Court jurisdiction to investigate crimes occurring under the Rome Statute on Lebanese soil and to uphold victims’ rights to remedy. During the conflict, the Israeli military alleged that Hezbollah utilized ambulances for transporting combatants, a claim that has been disputed by Hezbollah officials.
The assaults on healthcare facilities, as reported by Lebanon’s then health minister Firass Abiad, resulted in 67 attacks on hospitals, leading to 16 fatalities, alongside 238 strikes on emergency response organizations, resulting in 206 deaths. A comprehensive review by Amnesty revealed 19 healthcare worker casualties from Israeli strikes on medical facilities between October 3 and 9, with no evidence supporting claims of military use at those sites.
Amnesty’s investigation also found considerable damage to emergency vehicles and medical centers, raising serious concerns about the overall impact on Lebanon’s healthcare system. Despite outreach to the Israeli military for clarification in November, no response was received by the time of the report’s publication. The rights organization highlighted insufficient justification from the Israeli military for the attacks and stressed the urgent need to address the damage inflicted on healthcare infrastructure.
The Lebanese health ministry reported devastating human losses, asserting that over 4,000 individuals were killed due to Israeli actions since the conflict escalated after the initiation of military operations in Gaza on October 7, 2023. The destruction of areas in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut is estimated to exceed $10 billion in reconstruction costs, as announced by Lebanese authorities.
In light of Amnesty International’s findings, it is imperative for potential war crimes committed during the Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s health sector to be thoroughly investigated. The reported assaults on medical facilities, ambulance services, and emergency responders not only jeopardized healthcare but also resulted in significant loss of life. Timely actions by the Lebanese government and international bodies may be crucial for accountability and the protection of victims’ rights.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
