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

Three Paramedics Killed in Consecutive Israeli Strikes in Lebanon

Lebanese authorities report that three Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours have resulted in the deaths of at least three paramedics in southern Lebanon. The incidents, which include one individual highlighted in a recent BBC feature, mark a stark escalation in the targeting of medical personnel during the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. The Islamic Health Association, a local emergency group, was among those hit, with its team facing violence while attempting to assist survivors from an Israeli strike in Mayfadoun, Nabatieh region.

One member of the team was killed, while another remains unaccounted for. A subsequent strike on a second Islamic Health Association group left three paramedics injured. Later, ambulances from the Risala Scout Association and Nabatieh Ambulance Service, which had arrived at the scene, were also attacked, claiming two more lives and injuring three others. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the events.

Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old paramedic with the Risala Scout Association, was among the casualties. His team, based in Nabatieh, has been under Israeli fire for weeks, as documented by the BBC earlier this month. Serhan’s station in Mayfadoun was destroyed in an air strike during the war’s initial phase, killing one person. He and his team now operate from a tent near Nabih Berri Hospital.

“He was generous, always willing to help. He had a strong sense of humanity and a great sense of humour,” said Ali Nasreddine, a former classmate and colleague of Serhan, who had known him for over three decades. “In past conflicts, he stayed to provide aid. This time, he chose to stay again. I will always remember him as a devoted father, brother, and friend.”

Lebanon’s health ministry has reported over 2,100 fatalities and 7,000 injuries since the war began on 2 March. The ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians in its tally, which includes at least 260 women and 172 children. Health professionals have been particularly affected, with 91 killed and 208 wounded, amid more than 120 Israeli attacks on medical facilities and ambulances.

The Islamic Health Association is affiliated with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shia Muslim militia. The Risala Scout Association, meanwhile, is linked to the Amal Movement. Israel has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances and hospitals for military operations, though it has not provided proof. Lebanon’s health minister has rejected these claims, calling Wednesday’s strikes a “flagrant crime” and emphasizing the violation of international humanitarian law.

In a statement, the ministry condemned the attacks as “a blatant disregard for all norms and principles of international humanitarian law.” Kristine Beckerle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty International, noted that “civilians, including healthcare workers, retain their protected status under international law regardless of affiliations.” She added that “deliberately attacking medics performing their duties constitutes a serious breach of humanitarian principles and may qualify as a war crime.”

According to Israeli authorities, Hezbollah attacks have caused two civilian deaths in Israel over the same period. Meanwhile, 13 Israeli soldiers have been killed in direct combat in Lebanon. The war continues to strain both sides, with medical workers caught in the crossfire. Additional reporting by Neha Sharma and Angie Mrad.