Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least three paramedics on Wednesday, April 15, according to Lebanese health officials. The attacks targeted three separate rescue teams in succession as they attempted to evacuate wounded people from the town of Mayfadoun in the Nabatieh region.
The victims included 43-year-old Fadel Serhan. Serhan’s team had been operating out of a tent near Nabih Berri Hospital after their primary station in Mayfadoun was destroyed during the early stages of the conflict.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that six other paramedics were injured and one remains missing. The ministry described the strikes as a “flagrant crime” and a violation of international humanitarian law.
Casualty figures and attack patterns
The ministry’s latest data shows 91 health professionals have been killed and 208 wounded since the war began on March 2. Officials have recorded more than 120 Israeli attacks on ambulances and medical facilities.
Israeli army chief of staff Eyal Zamir ordered that the region of south Lebanon up to the Litani River line be treated as a “Hezbollah terrorist kill zone” during a visit to frontline troops on Wednesday. The Israeli military announced it hit 200 Hezbollah targets over a 24-hour period.
Human rights groups say some of these actions may constitute war crimes. Other reports indicate more than 2,100 people have died overall in Lebanon since the conflict started.
Israel claims medical sites host Hezbollah
Israel frequently claims Hezbollah uses ambulances and health facilities for military operations. The IDF previously stated troops killed more than 20 Hezbollah fighters operating from a hospital compound in Bint Jbeil.
Lebanon’s health minister denies these claims, stating there’s no evidence for them. Paramedics told the BBC that they’ve seen no proof that medical facilities are being used for military purposes.
The Lebanese Red Cross has attempted to mitigate risks by sending coordinates to UN peacekeepers, who notify Israel when ambulances enter strike zones. Despite this protocol, medics like Youssef Assaf were killed during rescue missions in March.
How many healthcare workers have died in the conflict?
Lebanon’s health ministry states 91 health professionals have been killed, while government figures in other reports have cited at least 54 health workers among the broader casualties.
Where did the Wednesday strikes take place?
The attacks occurred in the town of Mayfadoun, located in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon.