Arabic version: الضربات الإسرائيلية في لبنان تودي بحياة العاملين في مجال الرعاية الصحية

Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals in southern Lebanon, including several healthcare workers. The strikes occurred on Friday in the Tyre district. They are the latest in a long line, questioning the durability of the shaky United States-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. According to Al Jazeera, the ongoing violence questions the durability of the ceasefire agreement.

Six people were confirmed dead in the municipality of Deir Qanoun en-Nahr due to an Israeli attack, which included two paramedics and a child. In a separate incident approximately 12 kilometers away in Hannaouiyah, four paramedics lost their lives. Additionally, another man was killed in the southern city of Nabatieh. Reports indicate that Israel also conducted several air raids targeting four villages in the Tyre district on the same day.

The Israeli military has been accused of systematically attacking health facilities and medical personnel in Lebanon, alleging that Hezbollah utilizes these facilities to hide weapons and fighters. The Lebanese government has rejected these claims, stating that since the escalation of violence in early March, 116 healthcare workers have been killed, 16 hospitals have been damaged, and 147 ambulances have been attacked. Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine condemned what he called the “systematic targeted destruction of the health sector.”

The conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah has intensified since Hezbollah expressed support for Tehran in early March. Since then, Israeli attacks have reportedly killed at least 2,896 individuals in Lebanon, injured more than 8,824, and displaced over 1.6 million people, which constitutes about one-fifth of the country’s population. Although a ceasefire was brokered by the United States in mid-April, violence has persisted, with Hezbollah continuing to retaliate against Israeli strikes.

The Lebanese government had pledged to disarm Hezbollah in August, but this has proven to be a challenging task due to the group’s significant influence and military strength. Recently, the US imposed sanctions on nine individuals linked to Hezbollah, including Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon.