Three Paramedics Killed in Israeli Strikes on Lebanon, Officials Report

Lebanese Authorities Detail Escalating Attacks on Medical Teams

At least three paramedics were killed in a series of Israeli strikes targeting emergency services in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to Lebanese officials. These attacks mark the second day in a row of targeted violence against medical personnel, with accusations of deliberate harm growing stronger. The Islamic Health Association, a Hezbollah-linked emergency group, was hit during its efforts to assist victims from an Israeli attack in Mayfadoun, a town in the Nabatieh region.

One paramedic was killed, while a second is unaccounted for. A second team from the same organization arrived at the site and was also struck, resulting in three injuries. Subsequently, two ambulances belonging to the Risala Scout Association and the Nabatieh Ambulance Service were attacked, killing two more paramedics and wounding three others.

“Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old member of the Risala Scout Association, was among the victims. His team had been operating from a tent outside Nabih Berri Hospital after their station in Mayfadoun was destroyed by an Israeli air strike early in the conflict.”

Fadel Serhan, who was a father to an eight-year-old daughter, was remembered by his colleague and former classmate, Ali Nasreddine, who described him as a compassionate and humorous individual. “He had stayed in the region to provide aid in both previous and current conflicts,” Nasreddine recalled, emphasizing Serhan’s dedication to humanitarian efforts.

Health Ministry Calls Attacks a “Flagrant Crime”

The Lebanese health ministry condemned the attacks as a “flagrant crime,” stating that paramedics have been systematically targeted in a violation of international humanitarian law. The ministry reported that over 2,100 people have been killed and 7,000 injured since the war began on 2 March, including 260 women and 172 children. Among the casualties are 91 health workers who lost their lives, with 208 others wounded.

Over 120 Israeli strikes have targeted ambulances and medical facilities, according to the ministry. The Risala Scout Association, which is connected to the Amal Movement, a Shia Muslim group, has been a focal point of these assaults. Israel has often claimed that Hezbollah uses medical vehicles for military operations, but the Lebanese health minister has refuted these allegations.

International Law Perspectives

Kristine Beckerle, a representative from Amnesty International, highlighted in a recent report that healthcare workers retain their protected status under international law, regardless of their affiliations. She emphasized that deliberately attacking medics performing their duties constitutes a severe breach of humanitarian principles and could be classified as a war crime.

Meanwhile, Israeli authorities noted that Hezbollah strikes have caused two civilian deaths in Israel, while 13 Israeli soldiers have been killed in combat in Lebanon. The Israeli military has yet to respond to the latest accusations of targeting health workers.

Additional reporting by Neha Sharma and Angie Mrad