Israeli Strikes Target Medical Facilities in South Lebanon

Since the onset of hostilities on March 2, 2026, following Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel, the Israeli military has conducted extensive airstrikes across south Lebanon, significantly impacting the region's healthcare infrastructure. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, Israeli strikes have targeted at least 128 medical facilities and ambulances, resulting in the deaths of 40 healthcare workers and injuries to 107 others. Reports indicate that these attacks include the use of double-tap strikes, a tactic where an initial strike is followed by a second strike aimed at first responders arriving at the scene.

The GuardianThe New Arab

Healthcare workers and officials in Lebanon assert that the Israeli bombings are part of a deliberate strategy to render the area uninhabitable. Abdullah Nour el-Din, head of the Islamic Health Association (IHA) emergency response, emphasized that the Israeli military aims to displace the population by targeting medical facilities. Eyewitness accounts reveal that strikes have often occurred during critical times, such as when first responders gather to break their fast during Ramadan. For instance, an airstrike on March 8 destroyed an IHA emergency response center in Zifta, killing two employees.

The GuardianThe New Arab

The ongoing conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with over 1,000 fatalities and more than 2,584 injuries reported within the first 17 days of fighting. Hospitals in south Lebanon are overwhelmed with casualties, and many healthcare workers are forced to adopt extreme precautions to avoid being targeted. Paramedics have reduced their team sizes and altered their routines to minimize risk, often sleeping in ambulances parked far apart to avoid mass casualties from a single strike.

The Guardian

The international community has expressed concern over the situation. The European Union has called for an end to the Israeli attacks, highlighting the devastating humanitarian consequences. Amnesty International has accused Israel of repeating tactics used in previous conflicts, which resulted in significant casualties among medical personnel. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is scheduled to visit Lebanon to demonstrate solidarity with the Lebanese people and discuss the ongoing crisis with Lebanese officials.

The New ArabThe Guardian

While the Israeli military has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for military purposes, it has not provided evidence to support these claims. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has condemned these accusations as attempts to justify war crimes. As the conflict continues, the situation remains dire, with healthcare facilities under constant threat and the civilian population facing increasing displacement and danger.

The New Arab

• “The Israeli enemy is trying as much as possible to prevent life in our region and push people to flee.” — Abdullah Nour el-Din, Head of IHA Emergency Response

The Guardian

• “If you asked me before the war, will I return to work as a paramedic again, I would have said, ‘Hell, no’.” — Ali Nasr al-Din, Paramedic

The Guardian

• “Israel is deploying the same deadly playbook it used in 2024 in Lebanon to kill dozens of health workers and devastate healthcare services.” — Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for MENA at Amnesty International

The New Arab

The ongoing conflict in Lebanon raises significant concerns about the protection of medical personnel and facilities under international law, as the humanitarian crisis deepens amidst escalating violence.

The New Arab