BBC joins paramedics on duty in Lebanon after Israeli strikes
BBC joins paramedics on duty in Lebanon after Israeli strikes
Following recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, the BBC’s Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega accompanied paramedics in Nabatieh, a city now eerily quiet after once bustling with life. The conflict has displaced over 200,000 individuals since March, with one in five citizens forced to abandon their homes. At a damaged ambulance station, a paramedic recounted the moment a colleague was killed by an Israeli strike while on a phone call with his wife.
Israel claims Hezbollah uses Lebanese medical facilities
Israel alleges that some ambulances and health centers in Lebanon are being utilized by Hezbollah, though paramedics have not found proof to support the claim. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces reported eliminating more than 20 Hezbollah fighters from a hospital complex in Bint Jbeil, a location marked by intense combat during the 2006 war. Lebanon’s health ministry rejected the accusation, accusing Israel of attacking civilians and medical infrastructure.
Beirut families share war experiences
As over a million people have fled their homes, the BBC’s Hugo Bachega spoke to families in Beirut. Paul Adams analyzed the dangers of navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. The violence escalated after a Palestinian driver struck a teenager in a settler community, prompting Israeli forces to focus on destroying Hezbollah’s access points across the Litani River.
Missile strikes in southern Israel
Amid the conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported a missile strike in Dimona, southern Israel, damaging infrastructure. Footage from Russian state broadcaster RT captured correspondent Steve Sweeney ducking as an Iranian missile struck. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, at least 10 people died and 27 were injured in the attack.
Iranian perspectives amid war
Residents in Iran described life under constant bombardment and political repression. Ben Chu from BBC Verify explored the potential of the Royal Navy’s involvement in the Strait of Hormuz, where trade has suffered significantly due to Iran’s blockade. Displaced Palestinians were urged to secure their tents against strong winds, while Dan Johnson interviewed Iranians at a crossing near the Caspian Sea, reflecting on the war’s impact.
Verified footage of oil depot fire
BBC Verify confirmed a video showing flames engulfing an oil depot in Iran. The footage, captured during the US-Israeli offensive against Tehran, highlights the critical flow of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, a drone crash near the airport was documented by a witness and authenticated by the BBC. Overnight, explosions rocked the capital as airstrikes targeted its main airport.
Displacement and international reactions
Some Beirut residents in Dahieh have evacuated their homes due to ongoing Israeli air strikes. The conflict has intensified tensions, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper countering President Trump’s remarks on the UK’s handling of the crisis. Social media clips depict the city’s skyline engulfed in smoke, underscoring the scale of destruction.
“Lebanon’s health ministry denied the claim, accusing Israel of targeting civilians and medical facilities.”
“BBC Verify explains how we verified a video of a fire at an oil depot in Iran.”
