Israeli Airstrikes Kill Two Paramedics at Medical Points in Southern Lebanon
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BEIRUT — Israeli airstrikes killed two paramedics and wounded five others at two Islamic Health Society medical facilities in southern Lebanon on Sunday, the country's Public Health Emergency Operations Center said.
The attacks occurred at medical points in the towns of Qalaouiyah and Tebnine. The Public Health Emergency Operations Center stated the strikes targeted medical personnel directly, describing the incidents as violations of international law and humanitarian norms. The Islamic Health Society, a major healthcare provider in the region, confirmed the casualties at its facilities.
The violence in southern Lebanon has intensified in recent weeks, with medical infrastructure becoming a focal point of the conflict. The Public Health Emergency Operations Center reported that the two paramedics died at the scene, while five others sustained injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Emergency teams were dispatched to the sites to recover the bodies and treat the wounded.
Israel has not immediately commented on the specific incidents in Qalaouiyah and Tebnine. However, Israeli military operations in the region have continued at a high tempo, with frequent air strikes reported across southern Lebanon. The country's military has previously stated that its operations target Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel, often citing the group's use of civilian areas for military purposes.
The Islamic Health Society operates numerous clinics and hospitals across Lebanon, providing essential services to communities in conflict zones. The organization has repeatedly called for the protection of medical facilities and personnel under international humanitarian law. The attacks on Sunday marked the latest in a series of incidents involving medical staff in the region.
Local residents in Qalaouiyah and Tebnine reported hearing explosions shortly before noon. Witnesses described smoke rising from the medical points and emergency vehicles rushing to the scene. The area has seen significant displacement in recent months, with many families seeking shelter in nearby towns or crossing into other regions.
International organizations have expressed concern over the targeting of medical facilities in the ongoing conflict. The World Health Organization has previously warned that attacks on healthcare workers and infrastructure undermine efforts to provide life-saving care to civilians in war zones.
The Public Health Emergency Operations Center is investigating the circumstances surrounding the strikes. Questions remain regarding the specific objectives of the Israeli military in targeting these locations. The incident has drawn renewed attention to the safety of medical personnel operating in active conflict zones.
As of Sunday afternoon, the situation in southern Lebanon remained tense. Further developments are expected as the investigation continues and regional tensions persist.