Israeli triple-tap strike kills three paramedics in Lebanon, officials say
Israeli Triple-Tap Strike Kills Three Paramedics in Lebanon, Officials Say
Lebanese authorities report that three consecutive Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have claimed the lives of at least three paramedics, with accusations that Israel intentionally targeted medical personnel during its conflict with Hezbollah. The attacks occurred in the town of Mayfadoun, Nabatieh region, as a team from the Islamic Health Association attempted to aid victims from an Israeli air strike. One paramedic was killed, while another is still missing.
Rescue Efforts Targeted
A second team from the Islamic Health Association arrived at the site to assist, only to be attacked. Three paramedics were wounded in the assault. Subsequently, two ambulances from the Risala Scout Association and Nabatieh Ambulance Service were also hit, resulting in two deaths and three injuries. Among the victims was Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old paramedic affiliated with the Risala Scout Association.
“Serhan was generous, ready to offer a hand to anyone. He had a very high sense of humanity and a great sense of humour,” said Ali Nasreddine, a colleague and former classmate. “In the previous war he had stayed here to offer help. In this war, he had also stayed. I’ll always remember him as a loving father, brother, and friend.”
Lebanon’s health ministry reported over 2,100 fatalities and 7,000 injuries since the war began on 2 March. This includes at least 260 women and 172 children. The ministry also noted that 91 health professionals have been killed, with 208 others wounded, and more than 120 Israeli attacks recorded on medical units and ambulances. The Islamic Health Association is linked to Hezbollah, while the Risala Scout Association aligns with the Amal Movement.
Lebanese officials described the attacks as a “flagrant crime,” highlighting the deliberate targeting of paramedics as a violation of international humanitarian law. “Healthcare workers have become direct targets, pursued relentlessly in a blatant disregard for all established norms,” the ministry stated. Meanwhile, Israel has previously accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for military purposes, though no evidence has been provided to support these claims.
“Under international humanitarian law, civilians, including healthcare workers, do not lose their protected status simply based on an affiliation,” said Kristine Beckerle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty International. “Deliberately striking medics performing their humanitarian functions is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and could constitute a war crime.”
Hezbollah has also been responsible for casualties in Israel, with two civilians killed in recent attacks. Israeli forces, meanwhile, have suffered 13 combat-related deaths in Lebanon. The Israeli military has been contacted for further comment on the incidents.
Additional reporting by Neha Sharma and Angie Mrad
