Israeli triple-tap strike kills three paramedics in Lebanon, officials say
Israeli triple-tap strike kills three paramedics in Lebanon, officials say
Lebanese authorities have confirmed that an Israeli triple-tap attack in southern Lebanon has led to the deaths of at least three paramedics, with accusations that the military deliberately targeted healthcare workers during its conflict with Hezbollah. The incident occurred in the town of Mayfadoun, Nabatieh region, as a team from the Islamic Health Association attempted to assist victims from an Israeli strike site.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, the first team faced an attack that killed one paramedic and left another missing. A subsequent team, also from the Islamic Health Association, was struck and left three paramedics injured. Meanwhile, two ambulances from the Risala Scout Association and the Nabatieh Ambulance Service were targeted, resulting in two fatalities and three additional injuries.
The victims included Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old paramedic affiliated with the Risala Scout Association. His team had been stationed outside Nabih Berri Hospital in Nabatieh after their base in Mayfadoun was destroyed by an Israeli air strike early in the war. Serhan’s colleague, Ali Nasreddine, described him as “a generous man, always ready to help others. He had a deep sense of humanity and a great sense of humour.”
“In the previous war, he stayed to provide aid. This time, he chose to remain as well. I will always remember him as a loving father, brother, and friend,” Nasreddine added.
The Lebanese health ministry reported over 2,100 deaths and 7,000 injuries since the conflict began on 2 March. These figures encompass both combatants and civilians, including at least 260 women and 172 children. The ministry highlighted that 91 health professionals have been killed and 208 wounded, with over 120 Israeli strikes on ambulances and medical facilities documented.
The Islamic Health Association is connected to Hezbollah, while the Risala Scout Association aligns with the Amal Movement, a Shia Muslim organization. Israel has frequently alleged that Hezbollah uses ambulances and medical facilities for military purposes, though no evidence has been presented. Lebanon’s health minister has refuted these claims, calling Wednesday’s attacks a “flagrant crime.”
“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 stated.
Kristine Beckerle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty International, noted last month that “civilians, including healthcare workers, do not lose their protected status simply based on an affiliation.” She emphasized that “deliberately striking medics performing their humanitarian functions is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and could constitute a war crime.”
During the same period, Hezbollah attacks have killed two civilians in Israel, while 13 Israeli soldiers have been killed in combat in Lebanon, as per Israeli authorities.