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TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — Four Lebanese rescue workers died and six others were injured in a series of targeted Israeli military strikes on Wednesday, according
to paramedic groups. This incident highlights the severe human cost of Israel's military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, occurring just a day after historic talks between the two nations in Washington. The Israeli attacks occurred in the southern village of Mayfadoun, near Nabatiyeh, targeting first responders who were assisting civilians wounded in previous strikes. The assaults struck three separate groups of medics, demonstrating the escalating violence in the region.
Responses to the Strikes
The Israeli military did not provide a comment regarding the strikes, only stating that it was 'looking into' the incident. Previously, the military has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances to shield militant activities, but has not presented evidence to support these claims.The Lebanese Health Ministry condemned the attacks, labeling them a 'blatant violation' of international law. Abou Haidar Hayya, an official with the Islamic Health Committee, expressed deep concern over the direct targeting of medics, stating, 'there are no more red lines in this war.' He emphasized that ambulances should be protected under international laws, and the targeting of such vehicles signifies a collapse of these protections.
Since the onset of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict on March 2, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least 91 medical workers have been killed, underscoring the ongoing violence and the strain on Lebanon's healthcare system. The total death toll from the conflict in Lebanon has reached 2,167 as of Wednesday.
Details of the Attacks on Medics
The initial strike targeted a team from the Islamic Health Committee, resulting in the deaths of two paramedics. A second team sent to assist was also struck, leaving three medical workers injured. A third rescue attempt by the Nabatiyeh Emergency Services and the Islamic Risala Scout Association resulted in two additional fatalities among the medics.Most of the injured medics are reported to be in moderate condition, with one in serious condition due to shrapnel injuries. Footage from the Nabatiyeh Emergency Services shows medics in uniforms attempting to rescue their injured colleagues when another strike hit their vehicle, causing chaos and injuries.
Hayya reiterated the commitment of the Islamic Health Committee and other paramedic groups to continue their operations in southern Lebanon, despite the escalating dangers. He stated, 'We refuse to leave our paramedics behind, even if it costs all of us our lives.'
Israel's Military Operations
In the broader context of the conflict, Israeli forces reported targeting over 200 Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon within the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket attacks on military targets in northern Israel.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to expand the military's 'buffer zone' in southern Lebanon and confirmed ongoing negotiations with the Lebanese government alongside military actions against Hezbollah, aiming for disarmament and a 'sustainable peace.'
These negotiations have drawn criticism from Hezbollah and its supporters, with accusations of betrayal against the Lebanese government. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah denounced the negotiations as 'disgraceful' given the ongoing violence against Lebanese citizens.
Fadlallah suggested that the government should hold a referendum regarding Hezbollah's arsenal rather than negotiate directly with Israel, asserting that a majority of Lebanese would support Hezbollah's military actions.
Civilian Response and Evacuations
As the conflict continues, the Israeli military has issued evacuation warnings for large areas of southern Lebanon. However, many residents remain, either unwilling to leave their homes or lacking alternative shelter.For those displaced, the coastal city of Tyre has become a last refuge, although residents express that no area feels safe amidst the ongoing conflict. The visible destruction in the city, with damaged buildings and debris, reflects the war's impact on civilian life.
