Three paramedics killed in successive Israeli strikes in Lebanon, officials say

Three Paramedics Killed in Consecutive Israeli Strikes in Lebanon

Lebanese authorities report that at least three paramedics were killed in three separate Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon on Wednesday. These strikes, they claim, were deliberate efforts to target medical personnel, highlighting concerns about the treatment of health workers in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. One of the victims, Fadel Serhan, was a 43-year-old member of the Risala Scout Association, a group tied to the Amal Movement. His team was among those hit as they responded to an Israeli strike in the Nabatieh region.

Casualties and Context

According to the Lebanese health ministry, the first attack struck a team from the Islamic Health Association while they evacuated casualties from the Mayfadoun town site. One paramedic died, and another was reported missing. A second team from the same association arrived at the location, only to be targeted as well, leaving three paramedics injured. Later, two ambulances from the Risala Scout Association and the Nabatieh Ambulance Service were also hit, resulting in two more deaths and three additional 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 colleague and former classmate of Serhan, who described him as a devoted father, brother, and friend. “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.”

War Impact and Health Ministry Statement

The health ministry stated that over 2,100 people have been killed and 7,000 wounded since the war began on 2 March. This count includes 260 women and 172 children, as well as 91 health professionals killed and 208 wounded. The ministry emphasized that more than 120 Israeli attacks have targeted ambulances and medical facilities, accusing the military of disregarding international humanitarian law.

In a statement, the health ministry called Wednesday’s attacks a “flagrant crime,” asserting that paramedics had been made direct targets in a violation of established norms. It added that the assaults reflect a “total disregard for all principles of international humanitarian law.”

Human Rights Perspectives

Kristine Beckerle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty International, noted in a recent report that healthcare workers retain their protected status under international law, regardless of their affiliations. “Deliberately striking medics performing their humanitarian functions is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and could constitute a war crime,” Beckerle said.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances and medical facilities for military purposes, though it has not provided evidence. Lebanon’s health minister has rejected these claims, maintaining that the attacks on medical teams are part of a broader pattern of aggression. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has been responsible for two civilian deaths in Israel and 13 Israeli soldier fatalities in Lebanon during the same period.

Additional reporting by Neha Sharma and Angie Mrad