BEIRUT, March 5, (V7N) — Amnesty International on Wednesday called for an investigation into potential war crimes after accusing Israel of deliberate attacks on ambulances, paramedics, and health facilities during its recent conflict with Hezbollah.

A truce on November 27 largely ended over a year of hostilities, including a two-month war in which Israel launched a ground invasion into Lebanon.

During the war, Israel alleged that Hezbollah used ambulances to transport fighters and weapons, a claim Hezbollah has vehemently denied. However, Amnesty’s investigation found no evidence that the targeted medical facilities or vehicles were used for military purposes at the time of the strikes.

“The Israeli military's repeated unlawful attacks during the war in Lebanon on health facilities, ambulances, and health workers—who are protected under international law—must be investigated as war crimes,” Amnesty said in a statement.

The organization urged Lebanon’s government to grant the International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction to investigate these alleged violations and ensure that victims have access to justice.

Lebanon’s former health minister Firass Abiad reported in December that:

67 hospitals were attacked, with 40 directly targeted, killing 16 people.

238 attacks were recorded on emergency response organizations, resulting in 206 deaths.

256 emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and ambulances, were damaged or destroyed.

Amnesty’s own investigation focused on four Israeli attacks between October 3 and 9 in Beirut and southern Lebanon, which:

Killed 19 healthcare workers and wounded 11 others.

Destroyed ambulances and two medical facilities.

The Israeli military did not respond to AFP’s request for comment on Amnesty’s report. Amnesty also noted that a letter sent to the Israeli military in November detailing its findings remained unanswered by the time of publication.

Lebanese authorities estimate that the conflict killed more than 4,000 people and caused extensive damage in southern and eastern Lebanon as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs. Reconstruction costs are projected to exceed $10 billion.

As international scrutiny over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon intensifies, Amnesty’s call for an ICC investigation adds pressure on global actors to demand accountability for potential war crimes.

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