Israeli triple-tap strike kills three paramedics in Lebanon, officials say

Israeli Triple-Tap Strike Kills Three Paramedics in Lebanon, Officials Say

Lebanese authorities report that three Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have led to the deaths of at least three paramedics, with one of the victims highlighted in a recent BBC story. The incidents are alleged to be part of a deliberate effort by Israel to target healthcare workers during its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.

Rescue Teams Targeted in Sequential Attacks

A rescue operation by the Islamic Health Association was struck down as it assisted in retrieving survivors from an Israeli bombing site in Mayfadoun, Nabatieh region, on Wednesday. One paramedic was killed, while a second is still unaccounted for. Subsequent teams from the same organization faced similar fates, with three paramedics injured during their attempt to aid the area. Meanwhile, two ambulances from the Risala Scout Association and the Nabatieh Ambulance Service were also hit, resulting in two deaths and three injuries.

“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 former classmate and colleague of Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old paramedic with the Risala Scout Association. “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.”

The Israeli military has been contacted for comment. Serhan’s team operated from a tent near Nabih Berri Hospital after their Mayfadoun station was destroyed in an air strike early in the war, killing one individual. Lebanon’s health ministry noted that over 2,100 people have been killed and 7,000 wounded since the conflict began on 2 March, without distinguishing between combatants and civilians. Among the casualties, at least 260 women and 172 children were included.

The ministry also reported 91 health professionals killed and 208 wounded, citing more than 120 Israeli attacks on ambulances and medical facilities. The Islamic Health Association is tied to Hezbollah, while the Risala Scout Association aligns with the Amal Movement, a Shia Muslim group. Israel has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for military operations, though no evidence has been provided.

Lebanon’s health minister called Wednesday’s strikes a “flagrant crime,” stating that paramedics have become direct targets in a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. “Paramedics have become direct targets, pursued relentlessly in a blatant violation that confirms a total disregard for all norms and principles established by international humanitarian law,” the ministry added.

Kristine Beckerle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty International, emphasized in a prior report that under international humanitarian law, civilians—including healthcare workers—retain their protected status regardless of affiliations. She noted that targeting medics performing their duties constitutes a serious breach of the law and could qualify as a war crime.

Hezbollah’s actions have also claimed two Israeli civilians, while 13 Israeli soldiers have been killed in combat in Lebanon, according to Israeli officials.