Israeli triple-tap strike kills three paramedics in Lebanon, officials say
Israeli Triple-Tap Strike Kills Three Paramedics in Lebanon, Officials Report
Lebanese authorities have confirmed that three Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have resulted in the deaths of at least three paramedics, with one identified in a BBC report. The incidents mark what officials describe as a deliberate effort by Israel to target healthcare workers during its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Attack Details
On Wednesday, a team from the Islamic Health Association was ambushed while trying to assist in the aftermath of an Israeli strike in Mayfadoun, a town in the Nabatieh region. One paramedic was killed, and a second is still missing. When a second team from the same organization arrived at the site, they too were attacked, leaving three paramedics injured. Later, two ambulances from the Risala Scout Association and the Nabatieh Ambulance Service were also targeted, resulting in two fatalities and three additional injuries.
“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 colleague and former classmate of Fadel Serhan, a 43-year-old paramedic with the Risala Scout Association. “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’s team had been operating from a tent near Nabih Berri Hospital after their station in Mayfadoun was destroyed in an Israeli air strike early in the war, killing one individual. The Islamic Health Association is linked to Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shia Muslim militia, while the Risala Scout Association is affiliated with the Amal Movement, another Shia group.
Casualty Statistics
The Lebanese health ministry reported that over 2,100 people have been killed and more than 7,000 wounded since the war began on 2 March. This includes at least 260 women and 172 children. According to the ministry, 91 health professionals have lost their lives, and 208 others have been injured. Over 120 Israeli attacks have been recorded targeting ambulances and medical facilities.
In a statement, the health ministry called Wednesday’s attacks a “flagrant crime,” emphasizing that paramedics have become direct targets in a violation of international humanitarian law. “Paramedics have been pursued relentlessly, demonstrating a total disregard for established norms and principles,” the ministry added.
Human Rights Perspective
Kristine Beckerle, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Amnesty International, noted in a recent report: “Civilians, including healthcare workers, retain their protected status under international humanitarian law regardless of their affiliations.” She further stated that “deliberately striking medics performing their humanitarian functions is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and could constitute a war crime.”
Israeli authorities have previously accused Hezbollah of using ambulances and medical facilities for military purposes, though no evidence has been provided. Lebanon’s health minister has rejected these claims, highlighting the broader impact of the conflict on civilian life.
