Lebanon: Israeli Strikes Kill Medics in 'Quadruple Tap' Attack
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed four medics and wounded six.
Top Summary
- What happened: Israeli airstrikes targeted paramedics and ambulances in Mayfadoun, Lebanon, resulting in deaths and injuries.
- Why it matters: The attacks violate international law protecting medical personnel and raise concerns about deliberate targeting.
- What changes: Paramedics are increasingly wary of responding to emergencies, fearing further attacks.
- Who is affected: Healthcare workers, the Lebanese healthcare system, and the families of the deceased and wounded are affected.
'Quadruple Tap' Attack Kills Medics
Israeli forces allegedly carried out a series of airstrikes on ambulances and medical workers in Mayfadoun, southern Lebanon, on Wednesday. The attacks, described as a "quadruple tap," killed four medics and wounded six more.
The victims were from three different ambulance corps, including the Hezbollah-affiliated IHA, Amal-affiliated medical corps, and Nabatieh emergency services. The Lebanese Ministry of Health condemned the attacks.
International Law Violated
Under international law, medics are protected as non-combatants, regardless of political affiliation. Rescuers in Lebanon have long feared so-called "double-tap" attacks, where a location is struck, and then struck again when rescuers arrive.
Wednesday’s attacks prompted the term "quadruple tap" to describe the consecutive strikes on multiple sets of ambulances and medical workers. The incident raises serious questions about adherence to international humanitarian law.
Eyewitness Accounts and Video Evidence
A video taken by a paramedic at the scene shows rescuers loading wounded individuals into ambulances when a bomb detonated nearby. Paramedics are seen extracting the driver, who is motionless, from the blood-splattered vehicle.
The video reportedly shows the interior of the ambulances, allegedly demonstrating that there were no weapons present. The Nabatieh emergency services highlighted this detail.
Remembering the Fallen
Among those killed was Fadel Sarhan, 43, survived by his eight-year-old daughter. Sarhan was described as a caring and dedicated individual who was well-loved in his community.
Ali Nasr al-Deen, head of the Mayfadoun civil defence centre, said Sarhan was a responsible person who cared for animals, describing his death as a huge loss.
Funerals and Further Airstrikes
Medics mourned their colleagues at funerals in Nabatieh. Such events have become increasingly common, with healthcare workers reportedly killed by Israeli bombings on a near daily basis.
Hours after the funerals, Israel carried out another wave of airstrikes on Nabatieh. Weeks earlier, Mohammed Suleiman's 16-year-old son, Joud, was killed while working as a paramedic by an Israeli strike.
Israel's Response and WHO Condemnation
Israel has killed 91 healthcare workers and wounded 214 more in Lebanon since the Israel-Hezbollah war started on March 2. Israel has offered limited justification for the attacks, accusing Hezbollah of using ambulances and hospitals to transport fighters and weapons, without providing evidence.
The Lebanese ministry of health accused Israel of deliberately targeting ambulance crews. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The WHO condemned the strike in Tebnine, stating that 11 hospital workers were injured. Head of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called for the immediate protection of healthcare facilities, health workers, ambulances and patients.
"I reiterate the call for the immediate protection of healthcare facilities, health workers, ambulances and patients. There must be safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access across Lebanon."
The Mental Toll on Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers expressed the immense mental toll of witnessing the deaths of their colleagues. The fear of further attacks is impacting their ability to respond to emergencies.
Despite the dangers, Abbas Atwi, head of the IHA’s emergency department in Nabatieh, said, "But we will stay and keep going, we will not leave."
What to Watch Next
The international community is likely to increase pressure on Israel to protect medical personnel and infrastructure in Lebanon. Further investigations into the attacks are expected, and the situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation.