Terry Newman Challenges AP Narrative on Israel and Lebanon's Healthcare
In a recent critique, author Terry Newman has strongly disputed an Associated Press article published this week that suggests Israel is deliberately targeting Lebanon's healthcare system, drawing parallels to its actions in Gaza. The AP piece, headlined "Doctors Warn That Israel Is Targeting Lebanon's Health Care System, as It Did Gaza's," portrays Israel in a negative light, but Newman argues this framing is misleading and lacks substantial evidence.
Questioning the Sources and Evidence
Newman points out that the AP article relies heavily on casualty figures from Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, a body currently led by a minister appointed by Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organization. This raises concerns about the neutrality and reliability of the data presented. The article claims Israel has "increasingly targeted Lebanese first responders and medical centers," yet Newman emphasizes that it fails to include a comment from the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to provide balance.
While the AP acknowledges Israel's assertion that Hezbollah uses civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, for military purposes—which under international law could make such sites legitimate targets—it dismisses this by stating Israel did not provide evidence. Newman highlights this as a critical oversight, noting that the article itself admits there has been "no independent verification" of Hezbollah's use of hospitals, despite well-documented presence in residential areas.
Personal Stories and Allegations
The AP piece centers on the story of Mohammed Ziara, a Palestinian surgeon who previously worked in Gaza and now practices in Sidon, Lebanon. Ziara is quoted as saying he has "lived this before" during the siege at Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital, implying a pattern of Israeli aggression. However, Newman questions whether this personal anecdote should be generalized to support broader claims of intentional targeting.
Additionally, the article cites a medic allegedly "targeted while responding to an Israeli airstrike" and includes quotes from Human Rights Watch's Ramzi Kaiss, who suggests Israel acts with impunity. Newman argues that these voices, while compelling, do not constitute proof of deliberate attacks on healthcare workers, especially given the complex context of the conflict.
Israel's Defense and International Law
Israel has consistently disputed allegations of targeting civilian healthcare infrastructure. On March 14, IDF spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee warned that Hezbollah's "extensive military use" of ambulances and medical facilities must cease, or Israel would respond in accordance with international law. Newman underscores this point, noting that medical personnel have indeed suffered casualties, but there is no concrete evidence that these incidents result from intentional targeting rather than the fog of war or Hezbollah's tactics.
Newman concludes that the AP article, by spreading what he calls false claims, risks influencing global media narratives without adequate scrutiny. He urges readers to consider the broader geopolitical dynamics, including Hezbollah's role and the challenges of verifying facts in conflict zones, before accepting such allegations at face value.
