Three paramedics killed in successive Israeli strikes in Lebanon, officials say
Three paramedics killed in successive Israeli strikes in Lebanon, officials say
Lebanese authorities reported that three Israeli attacks in the southern region have resulted in the deaths of at least three paramedics, with one of them highlighted in a recent BBC report. The incidents are being framed as deliberate efforts by Israel to target healthcare workers in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
First strike on rescue team
On Wednesday, a team from the Islamic Health Association was struck while attempting to assist victims from an Israeli attack in Mayfadoun, Nabatieh region. The ministry confirmed one paramedic was killed, and another remains unaccounted for. Subsequent strikes targeted additional medical teams, leaving three paramedics injured. Two ambulances from the Risala Scout Association and Nabatieh Ambulance Service were also hit, claiming two more lives and wounding three others.
“He 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 of Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old paramedic killed in the attacks. “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.”
Fadel Serhan, part of the Risala Scout Association, was operating from a tent near Nabih Berri Hospital after his station in Mayfadoun was destroyed by an Israeli air strike early in the conflict. The health ministry noted that over 2,100 individuals have been killed and 7,000 wounded since the war began on 2 March. This includes 260 women and 172 children, with 91 healthcare professionals among the casualties.
Accusations and international law
Lebanon’s health ministry described Wednesday’s attacks as a “flagrant crime,” emphasizing the targeting of paramedics as a violation of international humanitarian law. The ministry argued that such actions demonstrate a disregard for established norms protecting medical personnel. Kristine Beckerle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty International, stated: “Under international humanitarian law, civilians, including healthcare workers, do not lose their protected status simply based on an affiliation.” She added that “deliberately striking medics performing their humanitarian functions is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and could constitute a war crime.”
Israel has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances and medical facilities for military purposes, though evidence has not been provided. Lebanon’s health minister has rejected these claims. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s attacks have led to two civilian deaths in Israel, while 13 Israeli soldiers have been killed in combat in Lebanon, according to Israeli authorities.
