An international medical organization, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), has condemned an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon on Tuesday that resulted in the death of two paramedics and the injury of another. The incident occurred when the paramedics from the Lebanese Civil Defence team were responding to a previous strike in Nabatieh. The organization expressed outrage over the loss of the paramedics, highlighting the risks they take to save lives.
The head of mission for Médecins Sans Frontières in Lebanon, Jeremy Ristord, stated, “Attacks on health care are unacceptable and must not be normalized.” Following the strike, a separate rescue team collected the human remains of their colleagues, while mourners gathered in Sidon to pay their respects to the deceased paramedics, Hussein Jaber and Ahmad Noura.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike in the area of Mayfadoun, stating it targeted a “terrorist.” However, reports indicated that uninvolved individuals, including the paramedics, were harmed in the process. The IDF emphasized that the strike was aimed solely at the terrorist and not at rescue personnel.
Médecins Sans Frontières reported that due to ongoing attacks, health care facilities, ambulances, and medical equipment have been damaged, resulting in injuries to civilians, health workers, and first responders. Since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah reignited on March 2, Lebanese health authorities reported that at least 110 health-care workers have been killed and 252 injured in Israeli attacks.
Medical teams in Nabatieh and across southern Lebanon face challenges in providing timely interventions due to the risk of being targeted. Médecins Sans Frontières mentioned that delays in rescue operations have led to worsened conditions for patients, including cases of severe trauma resulting in fatalities. The World Health Organization documented 161 attacks on health-care facilities and workers between March 2 and May 12, with ongoing hostilities hindering the return of displaced populations to safety.
As the ceasefire deadline approaches, tensions persist, with recent Israeli strikes continuing despite the temporary truce. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties in Lebanon, with many civilians displaced from their homes. The situation remains volatile as efforts are made to negotiate peace between Israel and Lebanon.