Amel Association International announces that its educational center in Kfar Joz, Nabatieh, has sustained severe damage due to Israeli bombardment, rendering it non-operational. The bombing caused the collapse of walls across its three floors, and most of its equipment was destroyed. This center, which was dedicated to protection, psychological support, and educational activities for more than 400 children, has been blatantly violated. This act constitutes a clear breach of several international laws, including Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians during wartime, which prohibits the destruction of civilian property, and Article 38 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which guarantees the protection of children in armed conflicts.
Despite this aggression on civilian neighborhoods and humanitarian facilities, Amel Association International reaffirms its unwavering commitment to its humanitarian duties of protecting the rights and dignity of all people. It will continue its work through its centers and mobile clinics, in addition to the programs and activities it offers in shelter centers across several regions in Lebanon for children and their families. Aamal remains dedicated to working for children on all levels, and such blatant attacks targeting humanitarian and health facilities will not deter it from its mission. These children deserve to live in a world that is more just and humane.
Amel Association International calls on the international community to take immediate action to put an end to these attacks and hold Israel accountable for its blatant violations of all humanitarian laws and international conventions. It also confirms that many of its health and development centers have been damaged by Israeli attacks in various areas of southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Nevertheless, it is striving hard to keep its centers open to continue providing support and essential programs to all people in these tragic circumstances plaguing the country.
Currently, the foundation relies heavily on mobile clinics to ensure that everyone has access to their right to healthcare, while educational activities and psychological support for children are organized in shelter centers to help them cope with trauma.
Amel Association International believes that these repeated attacks on the humanitarian sector pose a significant threat to the entire international community. Failing to hold Israel accountable undermines the essence of the Human Rights Charter and the international humanitarian agreements in place between nations.
Israel has killed more than 100 children in Lebanon over the past two weeks, in addition to wounding hundreds. In recent months, it has also killed thousands of children in Gaza. This war on children must stop immediately.
Amel Association International is exploring all available options for collaborating with international organizations to file complaints in specialized international courts, seeking justice and holding those responsible for these crimes accountable.
