Amnesty International has urged investigations into Israeli military attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel in Lebanon as possible war crimes. Between October 3 and 9, 2024, these attacks resulted in the deaths of 19 healthcare workers and significant damage to medical infrastructure. The organization calls for the Lebanese government to enable ICC jurisdiction for accountability and reparations. Amid ongoing ceasefire violations, the need for justice remains urgent for the affected civilian population and health sector.
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the Israeli military’s attacks on healthcare facilities, ambulances, and medical personnel during the recent conflict in Lebanon, indicating potential war crimes. The organization urges the Lebanese government to enable the International Criminal Court (ICC) to pursue accountability for these violations, ensuring victims can claim reparations for serious breaches of international humanitarian law.
Investigations conducted revealed that between October 3 and 9, 2024, Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of 19 healthcare workers and injuries to 11 others, alongside the destruction of ambulances and medical facilities in Beirut and southern Lebanon. The Israeli military’s actions lacked sufficient justification, further straining an already fragile healthcare system.
Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns, commented, “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 more broadly.” Therefore, Lebanon must secure the ICC’s jurisdiction over Rome Statute crimes to ensure accountability and justice for victims.
The Israeli military has accused Hezbollah of utilizing ambulances for transporting combatants and weapons. However, Amnesty found no evidence to support these claims regarding the investigated attacks, highlighting an obligation under international law for any attacking party to provide warnings and assess proportionality of operations.
Amnesty International interviewed witnesses, medical personnel, and local officials, collecting comprehensive evidence of the attacks, which included photographs and videos. To remedy these violations, it is essential to investigate and hold accountable those responsible, as the attacks on healthcare services severely impact civilian populations and compromise the integrity of medical assistance in conflict zones.
Despite a ceasefire declared in late November 2024, breaches occurred, highlighting ongoing tensions and the need for accountability. From October 2023 to November 2024, the Israeli military targeted numerous hospitals and health facilities, resulting in the death of at least 222 medical staff and emergency workers. The healthcare system’s pre-existing crises exacerbate the repercussions of these attacks, reinforcing the urgency for the Lebanese government to affirm its commitment to international justice and humanitarian standards.
The continuing violence, including Hezbollah’s missile strikes on Israeli territories, underscores the complex nature of this conflict. To facilitate future healing and recovery, all parties involved must commit to justice and reparations for violations, ensuring the safety and protection of civilians and healthcare workers across the region.
Amnesty International’s findings call for serious international scrutiny of these incidents to prevent recurrence and uphold the sanctity of medical care during armed conflicts.
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has highlighted severe violations of international humanitarian law, particularly concerning attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel by the Israeli military. Amnesty International demands accountability and justice for victims, advocating for Lebanon’s cooperation with the ICC. The urgent need for international intervention is crucial in addressing these war crimes and restoring the integrity of medical services in conflict zones. Leaders and stakeholders must prioritize the protection of civilian life and healthcare, emphasizing adherence to humane and lawful conduct during warfare. Without holding perpetrators accountable, the cycle of violence may continue, further jeopardizing the lives of vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
