Three successive Israeli attacks have killed at least three paramedics in southern Lebanon, including one featured in a BBC report this week, Lebanese officials say, as they accuse Israel of deliberately targeting health workers in its war against Hezbollah.
A team from the Islamic Health Association was attacked while trying to rescue victims from a prior Israeli airstrike in the town of Mayfadoun, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. The assault left one paramedic dead and another missing.
Following this, a second rescue team from the same organization was also hit, resulting in three additional injuries. Moreover, two ambulances from the Risala Scout Association were attacked, leading to two more paramedics’ deaths and three injuries.
The Israeli military has yet to comment on these incidents.
The deceased paramedics included Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old with the Risala Scout Association, who played a pivotal role in emergency services in the region, especially after their station in Mayfadoun was destroyed earlier in the conflict.
Since the start of the conflict on March 2, Lebanese health authorities report over 2,100 fatalities and around 7,000 injuries, which include at least 260 women and over 170 children. Critically, 91 health professionals have died in the fighting, and reports indicate over 120 attacks on ambulances and medical facilities.
Responses from officials highlight that targeting paramedics and health workers contravenes international humanitarian law, which grants protection to civilians in conflict zones, raising profound concerns as the violence continues.
