Flak jackets and final goodbyes: Lebanon’s first responders under fire
Flak Jackets and Final Goodbyes: Lebanon’s First Responders Under Fire
Flak jackets and final goodbyes - As the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel intensifies in Lebanon, the daily routines of rescue workers and paramedics are marked by a somber prelude to their missions. Before heading to strike zones, these individuals often exchange heartfelt farewells, a moment captured in videos that have circulated widely across social media. These gestures underscore the mounting risks faced by aid workers since hostilities erupted on 2 March, when Israeli forces launched an operation targeting Iranian-backed militant groups in southern Lebanon.
Aid Workers in the Line of Fire
Two tragedies have recently highlighted the perilous nature of this work. Youssef Assaf, a volunteer with the Lebanese Red Cross, lost his life during a rescue mission on 9 March, while Hassan Badawi was killed in a drone strike on 12 April. According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO), the conflict has already claimed 116 lives, with 169 confirmed attacks on healthcare workers and facilities since the hostilities began. These figures reflect a pattern of aggression that has left the medical community in Lebanon reeling.
Humanitarian Efforts Amid Escalated Violence
Lebanese authorities report that over 3,000 people have been killed since the conflict escalated, a toll that continues despite the ceasefire. The violence has not only targeted civilians but also military personnel, with 21 Israeli soldiers confirmed dead since 2 March. Hezbollah fighters, stationed in Lebanon, have intensified their shelling of Israeli communities, a move that has led to persistent exchanges of fire. This ongoing situation has placed immense pressure on aid organizations to operate in increasingly dangerous conditions.
UN News spoke with Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); Tommaso Della Longa, representing the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC); and Ali Saad, a member of the Lebanese Red Cross. All three emphasized that first responders should never be intentionally targeted, regardless of the circumstances. Their shared message underscores the humanitarian imperative to protect those who risk their lives to save others.
War Crimes and the Duty to Protect
From a human rights standpoint, attacking medical personnel is classified as a war crime. Mr. Al-Kheetan, speaking on behalf of OHCHR, stated that the international community must take stronger measures to ensure the safety of healthcare workers in all conflicts. He cited documented cases where Israeli forces launched direct strikes on civilians, including medical staff, noting that such actions are not isolated to Lebanon but echo similar incidents in Gaza and other regions globally.
Mr. Della Longa, from IFRC, described the emotional weight of a recent visit to Lebanon. “What shocked me most was witnessing the loss of people who dedicate their lives to humanity,” he said. “These volunteers are not just individuals—they represent the hopes and resilience of entire communities.” His words capture the despair felt by those who witness the toll of war on those striving to provide aid.
The Cost of Being a Humanitarian Worker
Mr. Della Longa also highlighted the specific circumstances surrounding the deaths of Assaf and Badawi. Both were operating in ambulances marked with the Red Cross insignia, and their mission details were shared with the warring parties to minimize risks. “Despite these precautions, they were still struck down,” he explained. “Behind every paramedic or volunteer killed, there is a family—often with children, spouses, and loved ones who remain vulnerable.”
For Mr. Della Longa, the targeting of medical teams is a deliberate act that weakens the fabric of society. “Hitting an ambulance and eliminating a humanitarian worker is not just an attack on individuals—it’s an assault on the collective spirit of aid and compassion,” he noted. The phrase “double tap” has been used to describe the increasing trend of targeting both military and civilian personnel in a single operation, a tactic that amplifies the psychological and physical impact on communities.
Deconfliction and the Role of UNIFIL
Efforts to safeguard aid workers include deconfliction, a process where the Lebanese Red Cross collaborates with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to coordinate movements and share real-time data. Mr. Saad, a liaison coordinator with the Lebanese Red Cross, explained that this strategy involves marking the locations of rescue teams and ensuring all parties are aware of their presence. “Deconfliction is vital,” he said. “It helps prevent unintended casualties and maintains the trust of those on the ground.”
Despite these measures, the danger persists. “Even with deconfliction, volunteers are still being targeted,” Mr. Saad added. He described the ritual of hugging and bidding farewell before each mission as a way to cope with the uncertainty of their work. “It’s a reminder of the stakes involved and the lives that could be lost in an instant.”
Mr. Saad also recounted the harrowing moment when Hassan Badawi was killed. “He was stepping out of an ambulance with a stretcher when a drone struck him, leaving over 300 pieces of shrapnel embedded in his body,” he said. The lack of explanation for these attacks has left colleagues in anguish, further fueling concerns about the deliberate targeting of humanitarian efforts.
A Call for Continued Protection
As the conflict rages on, the Red Cross has raised alarms about the impending withdrawal of UNIFIL from Lebanon. “The drawdown of UNIFIL next year is unimaginable,” Mr. Saad argued. “They have been the only international observers in this situation, providing critical support to our operations and ensuring accountability.” While UNIFIL may not halt the war or guarantee complete security, its role as a neutral witness has been invaluable in highlighting the plight of civilians and aid workers.
The 5,000 Red Cross volunteers remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the people of Lebanon. They navigate the so-called “yellow line,” a contested area where access is limited but essential for rescue missions. “We continue to put our lives on the line because there is no alternative,” Mr. Saad said. “Our duty is to the communities we serve, even as the risks grow.”
The stories of Assaf and Badawi serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those in the field. Their deaths, along with the killing of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil on 22 April, have intensified calls for greater protection. As the war enters its third month, the international community faces a critical moment to reaffirm its commitment to shielding those who act in solidarity with humanity. The question remains: will these efforts be enough to prevent further tragedy?