Three paramedics killed in successive Israeli strikes in Lebanon, officials say
Three Paramedics Killed in Successive Israeli Strikes in Lebanon, Officials Say
At least three paramedics were fatally injured in three consecutive Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon within a single day, according to Lebanese officials. The incidents have sparked claims that Israel intentionally targeted healthcare workers during its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. The first attack occurred when a team from the Islamic Health Association, an emergency service tied to Hezbollah, attempted to assist survivors from an Israeli strike in Mayfadoun, a town in the Nabatieh region. One paramedic was killed, while another is still missing.
Escalating Attacks on Medical Personnel
Subsequent strikes targeted two more teams. The second group, also from the Islamic Health Association, faced an attack that left three paramedics wounded. Later, ambulances from the Risala Scout Association and Nabatieh Ambulance Service, which had arrived at the scene, were bombed. Two paramedics were killed, and three others sustained injuries. The Israeli military has not yet provided a comment on the events.
Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old member of the Risala Scout Association, was among the victims. His team had been operating from a tent near Nabih Berri Hospital after their base in Mayfadoun was destroyed by an Israeli air strike early in the conflict. Serhan, a father of an eight-year-old, had previously volunteered in the area during past wars. A former classmate and colleague, Ali Nasreddine, recalled his character:
“He was generous, always ready to help. He had a strong sense of humanity and a great sense of humor. In the previous war, he stayed to provide aid. This time, he did the same. I’ll remember him as a loving father, brother, and friend.”
Broader Casualty Toll
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that over 2,100 people have died and 7,000 have been injured since the war began on 2 March. This includes at least 260 women and 172 children. The ministry emphasized that 91 health professionals have been killed, with 208 others injured, citing more than 120 Israeli attacks on medical facilities and ambulances. The Risala Scout Association is associated with the Amal Movement, a Shia Muslim organization.
Lebanese officials condemned the strikes as a “flagrant crime,” accusing Israel of systematically attacking paramedics in violation of international humanitarian law. They highlighted the targeting of healthcare workers as an act of “total disregard for established norms.” In contrast, Israel has frequently alleged that Hezbollah uses ambulances and medical facilities for military operations, though it has not provided concrete evidence. Lebanon’s health minister has rejected these claims.
Amnesty International’s Kristine Beckerle, in a recent report, stated:
“Under international humanitarian law, civilians—including healthcare workers—retain their protected status regardless of their affiliations. Deliberately attacking medics carrying out their duties constitutes a serious breach of the law and could amount to a war crime.”
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities noted that Hezbollah attacks have resulted in two civilian deaths in Israel, while 13 Israeli soldiers have been killed in combat in Lebanon.
