Lebanese First Responders Targeted in Israeli Strikes Amid Fragile Ceasefire

On 12 May an Israeli drone struck Nabatieh, killing civil-defense worker Hussein Jaber (32) and colleague Ahmad Noura (45) while they rescued a wounded civilian. A week later, strikes on Hanaway and Deir Qanoun En-Nahr killed six Lebanese paramedics – four from the Islamic Health Association and two from the Al-Rissala Scouts Association – and a Syrian child. Since the war began on 2 March, the Lebanese health ministry says more than 100 first-responders have been killed.

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The conflict began on 2 March 2026 after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, prompting a large Israeli response. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire started in April, yet Israeli airstrikes continue, citing Hezbollah militants. Israel alleges ambulances and hospitals are used for weapons, a claim the Lebanese health ministry rejects. International humanitarian law protects medical staff, hospitals and rescue teams, a protection both sides invoke.

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The health ministry reports 123 medics killed, 210 children and nearly 300 women among over 2,896 deaths since 2 March. The Guardian and Reuters both confirm six paramedics killed in recent strikes. Hospital director Mona Boud Zeid warned the pattern mirrors Gaza’s devastation. Nareej Ramal, who held Jaber’s uniform, and rescue leader Abdallah Hallal, who said his fallen comrades were “never just colleagues,” convey the personal loss. Paramedic Ali Al Rida Hammoud, wounded early in the war, now returns to shifts despite the danger.

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The Lebanese health ministry condemned the strikes as violations of international law and called for protection of medical staff. Israel’s military said the Hanaway and Deir Qanoun En-Nahr attacks targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and militants, and issued evacuation warnings. The ministry’s spokesperson stressed that hospitals, ambulances and rescue crews are non-combatants under the Geneva Conventions. Al Najdeh al-Shaabiyeh Hospital’s director said the pattern of targeting first responders mirrors Gaza’s attacks.

The Guardian

The Guardian reported ten deaths, including six paramedics, while Reuters documented six paramedics killed in two strikes. Israeli statements say the Hanaway and Deir Qanoun En-Nahr attacks targeted Hezbollah operatives, yet the health ministry identifies the victims as medics from the Islamic Health Association and Al-Rissala Scouts Association. Reuters verified a video from Deir Qanoun En-Nahr, but no independent casualty audit has been released.

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• “But what we see now, no, it's not that,” — Mona Boud Zeid, Director, Al Najdeh al-Shaabiyeh Hospital

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• “They were never just colleagues,” — Abdallah Hallal, Search-and-Rescue Team Leader

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• “We saw a lot together. We lived through a lot together. No words can describe what we feel.” — Abdallah Hallal, Search-and-Rescue Team Leader

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• “I'm not a hero … but I'm not afraid,” — Ali Al Rida Hammoud, Ambulance and Paramedic Team Member

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Lebanon is preparing a military delegation for security talks with Israel at the Pentagon on 29 May, with a fourth round in June. The health ministry urges strict adherence to international humanitarian law to protect hospitals and rescue crews. Observers warn any ceasefire breach could reignite broader fighting and further endanger an already strained medical system.

Times of Israel