Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday and Thursday resulted in the deaths of a Lebanese soldier's family, medics, and other civilians, according to reports from Lebanese authorities. The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that a number of individuals were killed in Israeli raids on towns throughout the region. An Israeli airstrike on the town of Zabdine in the Nabatieh district reportedly killed 6 people.
The Lebanese Army announced via the platform 'X' that a Lebanese soldier and several members of his family died following an Israeli airstrike that targeted their home in the town of Kafr Rumman – Nabatieh. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike in Mayfadoun, southern Lebanon, on Wednesday afternoon, killed four medics and wounded six others, including Fadel Sarhan, 43. Three of the deceased medics were from the Islamic Health Association (IHA) and Amal-affiliated medical corps, and one was from the Nabatieh emergency services organization. The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated, "Paramedics have become direct targets, pursued relentlessly in a blatant violation that confirms a total disregard for all norms and principles established by international humanitarian law."
Escalating Attacks on Civilians
Israeli warplanes and drones conducted over 70 raids on the districts of Tyre and Bint Jbeil in Lebanon's western and central sectors, alongside artillery shelling in the area. Rescuers in Lebanon have expressed long-standing concern regarding 'double-tap' attacks, a tactic where Israeli forces target a location, await the arrival of first responders, and then launch a subsequent strike. Following an initial strike on Wednesday, the term 'quadruple tap' was coined to describe a three-wave attack that followed the primary bombardment. Israel has accused Hezbollah of utilizing ambulances and hospitals for the transportation of fighters and weapons, though these claims have been made without providing supporting evidence.
Targeting Healthcare Workers
The governmental hospital in Tebnine, south Lebanon, was bombed on Wednesday, resulting in injuries to 11 hospital workers and damage to its emergency department. An ambulance in Tebnine was subsequently struck on Thursday, critically injuring two medics. Mohammed Suleiman's 16-year-old son, Joud, was killed weeks earlier by an Israeli strike while performing duties as a paramedic. Reports indicate that Israel has killed 91 healthcare workers and wounded 214 more in Lebanon since the Israel-Hezbollah conflict began on March 2. The Lebanese ministry of health accused Israel of deliberately targeting ambulance crews, stating, "Paramedics have become direct targets, pursued relentlessly in a blatant violation that confirms a total disregard for all norms and principles established by international humanitarian law."
Broader Conflict Toll
The Lebanese Ministry of Health previously reported that the toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2nd had risen to 2,586 killed and 8,020 injured. The ministry has accused Israel of deliberately targeting ambulance crews, stating, "Paramedics have become direct targets, pursued relentlessly in a blatant violation that confirms a total disregard for all norms and principles established by international humanitarian law." The ongoing conflict has seen a significant number of casualties, with healthcare workers among those affected. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the recent incidents or the broader casualty figures provided by the Lebanese Ministry of Health.