Amnesty International has urged for an investigation into Israeli military actions in Lebanon, which the organization has identified as possible war crimes. The focus is on assaults conducted between October 3 and 9, 2024, in Beirut, where strikes on health facilities resulted in the deaths of 19 healthcare workers and injuries to 11 others, also leading to the destruction of multiple ambulances and two medical facilities. Amnesty International’s comprehensive report insists there is no evidence to support the Israeli military’s assertion that the Islamic Health Association (IHA) used these facilities and vehicles for military purposes.
Erika Guevara Rosas from Amnesty International remarked, “When a health system is attacked, civilians suffer,” emphasizing that even if hospitals lose their protected status under international law, adequate warnings and time for evacuation should precede attacks. She stated that any military actions must conform to the principle of proportionality within international humanitarian law.
During the 2024 Lebanon conflict, Israeli forces reportedly targeted health facilities without providing sufficient justification. Accusations from Israel claimed that the IHA was utilized by Hezbollah for transporting fighters and weapons. However, the Amnesty report disputes these claims, highlighting the IHA’s legitimate role as a primary healthcare provider in Lebanon.
The healthcare system in Lebanon sustained severe disruptions, with a significant impact on infrastructure; more than 67 hospitals and 56 primary healthcare centers were attacked, and 222 healthcare workers were reported dead. The Lebanese Ministry of Health provides a stark account of the overall toll of these military actions.
Human Rights Watch also released findings that Israeli attacks on Lebanese infrastructure have impeded the return of thousands of civilians to their homes, highlighting broader humanitarian issues arising from the conflict. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon previously identified some actions by the Israeli military as violating international law, reinforcing calls for accountability.
Amnesty International has called upon the new Lebanese government to grant jurisdiction to the International Criminal Court (ICC), based on the requirements outlined in the Rome Statute, to ensure justice and reparations for the victims of these attacks. The organization’s push for thorough investigations signifies ongoing efforts to uphold international humanitarian norms and address reported violations. More details on Amnesty International’s stance and findings can be read on JURIST.