Three paramedics killed in successive Israeli strikes in Lebanon, officials say
Three Paramedics Killed in Israeli Strikes, Officials Report
Lebanese authorities claim at least three paramedics were killed in three consecutive Israeli attacks targeting southern Lebanon within a single day. The incidents, which include one paramedic featured in a BBC report, are alleged to be part of a deliberate strategy by Israel to target healthcare workers in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Attacks on Medical Teams
On Wednesday, a team from the Islamic Health Association was ambushed while attempting to assist victims near the site of an Israeli strike in Mayfadoun, Nabatieh region. One paramedic died, and another was reported missing. A second team sent to the same area was also attacked, resulting in three injuries. Subsequently, two ambulances belonging to the Risala Scout Association and the Nabatieh Ambulance Service were targeted, claiming two more lives and wounding three others.
“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 killed in the attacks. “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.”
Fadel Serhan, part of the Risala Scout Association, was working outside Nabih Berri Hospital in Nabatieh when his station in Mayfadoun was destroyed by an Israeli air strike early in the war. The BBC documented his team’s efforts during a recent visit, highlighting their repeated exposure to Israeli strikes.
Casualty Totals and Legal Claims
As of 2 March, over 2,100 people have been killed and 7,000 wounded in Lebanon, according to the health ministry. Among the casualties, at least 260 women and 172 children were affected. The ministry reports 91 health professionals have died and 208 injured, with more than 120 Israeli attacks recorded on medical facilities.
The Islamic Health Association is affiliated with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shia Muslim militia. Meanwhile, the Risala Scout Association is linked to the Amal Movement, another Shia group. Israel has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances and hospitals for military purposes, though no evidence has been provided. Lebanon’s health minister has rejected these claims, calling the Wednesday attacks a “flagrant crime” that violates international humanitarian law.
Kristine Beckerle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty International, emphasized that healthcare workers retain their protected status under international law, regardless of affiliations. She stated that deliberately attacking medics in their humanitarian role constitutes a serious breach of norms and could be classified as a war crime.
Hezbollah has also been responsible for casualties in Israel, with two civilians killed during the same period. In Lebanon, 13 Israeli soldiers have been killed in combat. The BBC’s report was contributed by Neha Sharma and Angie Mrad.