AMERICAN-MADE BOMB was used in Israeli strike that killed seven volunteer health workers in southern Lebanon
By richardbrown // 2024-05-08
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An investigation by the Guardian has revealed that the Israeli military used a bomb made in the United States in an airstrike that killed seven healthcare workers in southern Lebanon. The attack, which targeted an ambulance center belonging to the Lebanese Succor Association in the town of Hebbariyeh on March 27, has been condemned by Human Rights Watch as a violation of international law. The airstrike claimed the lives of seven volunteer paramedics, all aged between 18 and 25. (Related: Israeli strikes target emergency health centers in southern Lebanon, killing paramedics.) The strike targeted a residential structure housing the Emergency and Relief Corps of the Lebanese Succour Association, a local organization that has played a crucial role in providing emergency, rescue and first aid services. Analysis of shrapnel recovered from the attack by the leading rights group Human Rights Watch indicated that one of the bombs used was the 500-pound MPR (multi-purpose rigid) bomb, a penetration and surface attack bomb that has been fitted with a joint direct attack munition (JDAM) missile guidance kit manufactured by Boeing. Human Rights Watch analyzed the shrapnel and other weaponry remnants found at the attack sites in Lebanon and corroborated their findings with verified photographs and videos of the aftermath of the attack shared by Lebanese residents and local and international journalists. The visual evidence, combined with eyewitness testimonies, paints a harrowing picture of the devastation inflicted on the relief center and its personnel. This revelation has raised concerns ahead of the May 8 deadline for the administration of President Joe Biden to deliver a report on whether Israel's use of American weapons constitutes a breach of U.S. or international law. Israel has contended that it has not violated either set of laws, prompting the administration to review and report its assessment to Congress. Since the onset of Israel's war on Gaza and genocide against the Palestinian people last October, the Biden administration has provided unwavering diplomatic support to Israel and expedited arms shipments to the country. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 35,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. Israel has also inflated the conflict by engaging in cross-border confrontations in Yemen, Syria, Iran and against the Hezbollah movement in southern Lebanon.

U.S. law prohibits provision of military aid to countries that commit gross human rights violations

The targeting of medical workers and healthcare infrastructure violates international law, constituting war crimes. Under the Leahy laws, the U.S. is prohibited from assisting foreign security forces implicated in gross human rights violations. Concerns have been raised that U.S.-supplied munitions may implicate Washington in allegations of Israeli war crimes. In response, the Biden administration faces legal action within the U.S., with Palestinians alleging complicity in Israel's actions through the supply of weapons and military support. Human Rights Watch's investigation into the Israeli airstrike on the emergency and relief center in south Lebanon revealed alarming details about the tragic incident. In addition to condemning the unlawful attack, Human Rights Watch called for immediate action to suspend arms sales and military assistance to Israel. The organization stressed the paramount importance of upholding legal and ethical standards in armed conflict to prevent further civilian casualties and human rights abuses. The aftermath of the strike saw retaliatory actions from Hezbollah, further exacerbating tensions in the region and underscoring the urgent need for accountability measures. Human Rights Watch emphasized the obligation of all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure. Watch this report from "Grafted In The Vine" discussing Israel's escalating cross-border strikes on targets in Lebanon. This video is from the Grafted In The Vine channel on Brighteon.com.

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