Mar 21 • 06:00 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Israel deliberately targeting medical facilities in south Lebanon, say health workers

Lebanese health officials claim Israeli airstrikes are intentionally targeting medical facilities and personnel in southern Lebanon amid escalating conflict.

Lebanese healthcare workers and officials have accused Israel of systematically targeting medical facilities and personnel in southern Lebanon during the ongoing conflict that began on 2 March. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that Israeli bombings have hit at least 128 medical facilities and ambulances, resulting in the deaths of 40 healthcare workers and injuries to 107 others. The accusations include claims of 'double-tap' strikes, a tactic where an initial bombing is followed by a second strike once medical response teams arrive, which healthcare workers argue is a clear violation of international laws protecting medical services.

The conflict erupted when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel, prompting a significant Israeli military response that, according to health officials, disproportionately affects medical facilities and personnel. This has raised alarms about the humanitarian implications of the conflict, as healthcare systems in the region are already under extreme pressure. The intentional targeting of healthcare workers not only undermines their safety but also jeopardizes the ability to provide care to the civilian population in dire need.

International law guarantees protection for medical services during times of conflict, emphasizing the necessity for all parties to refrain from attacking medical facilities and personnel. The situation in southern Lebanon could further deteriorate without immediate intervention, as the lack of medical assistance may lead to increased mortality rates among the civilian population, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis that stems from this conflict.

📡 Similar Coverage