Israeli triple-tap strike kills three paramedics in Lebanon, officials say
Israeli Triple-Tap Strike Kills Three Paramedics in Lebanon, Officials Report
Lebanese authorities claim that three consecutive Israeli assaults in southern Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least three paramedics, with one of them appearing in a recent BBC report. The attacks are being described as deliberate targeting of healthcare personnel by Israel during its conflict with Hezbollah.
Teams Under Fire in Mayfadoun
According to the Lebanese health ministry, a group from the Islamic Health Association was struck while attempting to assist victims near the site of an Israeli strike in Mayfadoun, Nabatieh region, on Wednesday. One paramedic was killed, and another is still missing. A second team, also from the Islamic Health Association, was attacked later, leaving three paramedics injured. Meanwhile, two ambulances from the Risala Scout Association and the Nabatieh Ambulance Service were hit, resulting in two more deaths and three additional injuries.
The victims included Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old paramedic associated with the Risala Scout Association. Serhan’s team had been operating from a tent near Nabih Berri Hospital after their base in Mayfadoun was destroyed by an Israeli air strike early in the war, killing one individual.
“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 Serhan. “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.”
Wider Impact of the Conflict
Since the war began on 2 March, over 2,100 people have lost their lives and more than 7,000 have been injured in Lebanon, according to the health ministry. These figures include at least 260 women and 172 children. The ministry reported that 91 health professionals were killed and 208 wounded, with more than 120 Israeli attacks recorded against ambulances and medical facilities.
Israeli forces have been accused of using medical vehicles and facilities for military operations, though they have not provided evidence to support the claim. Lebanon’s health minister rejected these allegations, calling the recent attacks a “flagrant crime” and stating that paramedics have been “direct targets” in a “blatant violation” of international humanitarian law.
Amnesty International’s Stance
Kristine Beckerle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty International, noted in a prior report: “Under international humanitarian law, civilians, including healthcare workers, do not lose their protected status simply based on an affiliation.” She emphasized that “deliberately striking medics performing their humanitarian functions is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and could constitute a war crime.”
During the same period, Hezbollah has been responsible for two civilian casualties in Israel and 13 Israeli soldiers killed in combat in Lebanon, according to Israeli officials. The health ministry has yet to comment further on the incidents. Additional reporting by Neha Sharma and Angie Mrad.
