Amnesty International Calls for War Crimes Investigation into Israeli Attacks on Health Facilities in Lebanon

Al Manar

05-03-2025

Amnesty International has urged the international community to investigate war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation military during the Israeli aggression on Lebanon. On Wednesday, the organization raised alarms over repeated attacks targeting health facilities, ambulances, and paramedics in Lebanon, which they say violate international law.
In a comprehensive report, Amnesty International emphasized the urgent need to probe the Israeli military's actions during the war, particularly noting that health facilities and personnel are afforded special protections under international humanitarian law.
The organization revealed a shocking series of incidents, stating that between October 3 and 9, four Israeli attacks on healthcare sites in Beirut and southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 19 medical workers and injuries to 11 others, alongside significant damage to ambulances and medical facilities.
.@amnesty : Israel's unlawful attacks on medical facilities and personnel in #Lebanon are not only serious violations of international humanitarian law and likely #WarCrimes , but also have devastating consequences for civilians more broadly. https://t.co/vpGppCFPIo
— Avner Gidron (@AvnerGidron) March 5, 2025
'Given the scale of these attacks, it is imperative for the Lebanese government to involve the International Criminal Court,' the report urged, highlighting the need for accountability and justice for victims. Amnesty International called for Lebanon to grant jurisdiction to the ICC to investigate these crimes committed on its territory and to demand compensation for the violations incurred.
Former Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad indicated a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis, reporting 67 attacks on hospitals, including 40 direct hits, which have collectively resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and injuries to many more. The chaos has extended to rescue operations, with 238 attacks on emergency services accounting for 206 fatalities, as well as damage to 256 emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks.
Amnesty's investigation concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that the health facilities or vehicles targeted were being used for military purposes at the time of the attacks. 'The Israeli occupation military has yet to provide adequate justification for its actions,' the report stated, reiterating that the attacks have severely compromised Lebanon's already fragile healthcare system.
Despite reaching out to the Israeli occupation military for comments regarding their findings, Amnesty reported they have yet to receive a response.
The ongoing Israeli aggression has had devastating consequences, with Lebanese authorities estimating over 4,000 lives lost and extensive destruction across southern and eastern Lebanon, including the southern suburbs of Beirut.