International humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders has condemned a recent drone strike in southern Lebanon that resulted in the death of two paramedics and injury of another. The organization highlighted that this incident is part of a concerning trend of Israeli attacks targeting rescue teams.
The paramedics, affiliated with the Lebanese Civil Defence rescue team, were responding to a previous strike when a drone strike hit them, killing two and injuring one. Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), expressed outrage at the loss of the paramedics who were bravely performing their duties to save lives.
Witnesses from another rescue team observed the attack and returned to the scene to recover the remains of their colleagues. The community mourned the loss of the two paramedics, Hussein Jaber and Ahmad Noura, with a large gathering in Sidon.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that the strike targeted a “terrorist” in southern Lebanon but acknowledged reports of injuries to uninvolved individuals. The IDF claimed that the strike was aimed solely at the terrorist and not the rescue personnel.
Doctors Without Borders reported that health-care workers and rescue teams in southern Lebanon have faced significant risks due to airstrikes, drone strikes, and artillery fire. These attacks have not only damaged medical facilities and equipment but have also caused harm to civilians and first responders.
Since the conflict reignited between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese Health Ministry documented the deaths of at least 110 health-care workers and injuries to 252 individuals in Israeli attacks, including the recent incident. MSF highlighted the challenges faced by medical teams in Nabatieh and surrounding areas, stating that they are forced to delay or limit life-saving interventions due to the fear of being targeted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 161 attacks on health-care facilities and workers between March 2 and May 12. Despite a ceasefire, hostilities have persisted, preventing displaced populations from returning home or seeking safety. The recent attacks in Lebanon occurred ahead of talks between Israel and Lebanon, aiming for a breakthrough in their longstanding conflict.
The ceasefire, initiated in April, is set to expire soon, with ongoing hostilities despite containment in southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported a significant death toll since the conflict resumed, with many civilians displaced from their homes. Israel also suffered casualties, with soldiers and civilians affected by the violence.
