Three paramedics killed in successive Israeli strikes in Lebanon, officials say
Three Paramedics Killed in Israeli Strikes, Officials Say
Lebanese officials report that at least three paramedics have been killed in three consecutive Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. They allege that Israel has intentionally targeted medical personnel during its conflict with Hezbollah. The incidents occurred in the Nabatieh region, with the first attack targeting a team from the Islamic Health Association as they assisted survivors from an Israeli strike in Mayfadoun on Wednesday.
The ministry stated that one paramedic was killed, while a second remains missing. A second team from the same group arrived at the site but was also struck, injuring three individuals. Later, two ambulances from the Risala Scout Association and the Nabatieh Ambulance Service, deployed to the area, faced attacks that resulted in two fatalities and three additional injuries.
Victims Include BBC-Followed Paramedic
Among the casualties was Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old paramedic with the Risala Scout Association. Earlier this month, the BBC joined Serhan’s team in Nabatieh, noting the region had been repeatedly bombed by Israeli forces over the past six weeks of the Hezbollah conflict. Serhan’s team operated from a tent near Nabih Berri Hospital after their own station in Mayfadoun was destroyed in an Israeli air strike early in the war, killing one person.
Ali Nasreddine, Serhan’s colleague and former classmate, recalled their 30-year friendship. “He was generous, always willing to assist others. His humanity and humor were remarkable,” he said. “During the previous war, he stayed to help. This time, he did the same. I will always remember him as a devoted father, brother, and friend.”
Wider Casualties and Legal Concerns
The Lebanese health ministry claims over 2,100 people have died and 7,000 injured since the war began on 2 March. This includes 260 women and 172 children. The ministry also noted 91 health professionals killed and 208 wounded, with more than 120 Israeli attacks recorded against ambulances and medical facilities.
Lebanon’s health minister disputes Israel’s accusations that Hezbollah misuses ambulances and hospitals for military purposes, with no evidence provided. The ministry called Wednesday’s strikes a “flagrant crime,” asserting that paramedics were “relentlessly targeted in a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.” Kristine Beckerle, from Amnesty International, added in a recent report: “Civilians, including healthcare workers, retain their protected status under international law regardless of affiliations.” She emphasized that “deliberately attacking medics in their humanitarian roles is a serious breach of international humanitarian law and may amount to a war crime.”
Reciprocal Attacks and Casualties
Israeli authorities state that Hezbollah attacks have killed two civilians in Israel during the same period, while 13 soldiers have been killed in combat in Lebanon. The ongoing conflict has seen frequent clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, with medical teams increasingly caught in crossfire.
The Islamic Health Association is affiliated with Hezbollah, while the Risala Scout Association links to the Amal Movement, a Shia Muslim group. The accusations of targeting medical workers have sparked debate over compliance with international law, as the attacks continue to raise concerns about civilian protection in the war-torn region.
