Israeli airstrike kills seven medical staff in South Lebanon US launches inspections for Gaza war law violations/VIDEO

In a tragic turn of events, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Islamic Medical Association centre in the town of Al-Hebbariyyeh, South Lebanon, resulting in the death of seven medical staff members.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent on the ground confirmed the casualties and ongoing search and rescue efforts.

أعمال الإنقاذ والبحث تحت الانقاض مستمرة إثر الغارة على مركز الجمعية الطبية الإسلامية في الهبارية جنوب لبنان.#لبنان #الميادين_لبنان pic.twitter.com/Z6xdQPYZTk

— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) March 27, 2024

Lebanese Resistance group Hezbollah swiftly condemned the attack, labelling it as a "heinous crime" that will not go unanswered. Lebanese MP Hassan Mrad echoed these sentiments, denouncing the airstrike as another addition to Israel's record of atrocities.

The Emergency and Relief Corps of the Lebanese Succour Association echoed the outrage, describing the aggression as a violation of international laws and demanding accountability. They urged Lebanese authorities to take action and prosecute the perpetrators in international courts.

Escalating Israeli assaults on Lebanese villages

Prior to the strike on Al-Hebbariyyeh, Israeli warplanes targeted a farm in the plains of Iaat, resulting in the death of four individuals, according to reports from Al Mayadeen. Additional airstrikes hit various areas including Beit Yahoun, Baraachit, Houla, Kfar Chouba, and Kfar Kila, while artillery shelling was reported in Wadi al-Salouqi and the outskirts of the al-Hermel district.

The relentless attacks signify an alarming escalation in Israeli aggression against Lebanese territories, exacerbating tensions in the region.

Palestine accuses Israel of seeking Gaza's destruction

Meanwhile, tensions also simmer in Gaza as Palestine accuses Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of actively seeking the destruction of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel's prioritization of military force over diplomatic efforts for peace and humanitarian assistance.

“The Netanyahu government seeks to prioritize the logic of military force over reason, politics and diplomatic efforts to complete the destruction of the Gaza Strip and destroy all forms of human life there,” the Palestinian Foreign Ministry said.

According to the ministry, Israel's disregard for international peace initiatives and humanitarian aid exacerbates the suffering of Gaza's civilian population.

Israel to provide security for temporary port in Gaza

In a surprising development, the Israeli military has agreed to provide security for a temporary port to be constructed by the United States in Gaza. The port aims to facilitate the transportation of humanitarian aid by sea, alleviating some of the humanitarian crises in the region.

As Politico reported, citing two American officials, Israel agreed to create a security zone in the port construction area by American personnel and protect the site and those involved in unloading and distributing humanitarian aid.

The publication's sources clarified that such an action plan is still being discussed and has not yet been approved. It is possible that a third country may provide security assistance, depending on where exactly the facility will be located on the coast of the enclave.

A representative of the Israel Defense Forces confirmed to the publication that the military “will certainly coordinate with the US military in implementing the project,” but did not disclose other details.

What did the captured Hamas commander say?

The commander of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas, captured by the Israel Defense Forces, said that up to 1,000 militants were hiding on the territory of the Al-Shifa medical centre in the Gaza Strip.

According to TASS, a video of his interrogation at X was published by the Office for Coordination of the Israeli Government's Actions in the Palestinian Territories.

“Somewhere from 600 to 1,000 fighters,” he said in response to a corresponding question.

The prisoner also indicated that on the territory of the medical complex, there were places where Hamas was located and weapons were stored. According to him, it was an administrative building, a maternity ward, and also a so-called specialists’ building. The name and position of the handcuffed man in the video are not given, but it is indicated that he was a senior Hamas commander.

US begins inspections for violation of laws of war in Gaza Strip

Amid ongoing concerns regarding potential violations of international laws of war in the Gaza Strip conflict, the Biden administration has initiated inspection processes. While no final conclusions have been reached, assessments are underway, according to statements made by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller during a recent press briefing.

The assessment processes are part of a broader framework outlined in a memorandum on national security issued in February. Under this memorandum, the administration is required to submit a report to Congress by May 8, emphasizing the importance of compliance with international law and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery.

Miller highlighted that the evaluation of compliance with international humanitarian law is ongoing and has not yet been finalized. The forthcoming report to Congress will delve into these matters in more detail, in accordance with the memorandum's stipulations.

The memorandum itself does not introduce new conditions regarding the utilization of US military equipment but mandates the administration to furnish a report within 90 days, assessing whether recipient countries adhere to these requirements.

Addressing queries on the timing of conclusions regarding the issue, Miller emphasized an active process aimed at determining the report's contents. He noted the novelty of this endeavour, highlighting that such a report has not been previously compiled.

In a significant development, Israel has provided written assurances, as mandated by the memorandum, affirming that US-provided weapons are not being employed to contravene humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip. This assurance comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny and international calls for accountability in conflict zones.