Is Israel Deliberately Targeting Lebanon’s First Responders?

Recent attacks in Lebanon have raised serious concerns regarding Israel’s military operations, particularly the targeting of medical and rescue personnel. Over the past year, more than 100 medical workers have reportedly lost their lives due to Israeli strikes, leading many in the medical community to believe these actions are intentional.

On October 7, 2024, Israel carried out a strike in the southern Lebanese town of Baraachit, resulting in the deaths of ten firefighters. This incident is part of a troubling trend; in the last year alone, Israeli strikes have killed over 100 rescue workers, with many of these fatalities occurring in the last two weeks.

One Lebanese Civil Defense member, who spoke to Al Jazeera under the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his friends, all of whom were part of different organizations yet worked closely together. “It’s a tragedy that shocked me,” he stated.

Direct Attacks on Rescue Workers

International humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions ratified by Israel and other countries, prohibits the direct targeting of medical personnel and rescue workers. However, many rescue workers assert that they are being deliberately targeted. Since October of the previous year, at least 107 rescue personnel have died from Israeli strikes, stirring outrage among Lebanese citizens regarding Israel’s perceived lack of accountability for these actions.

Israel’s Arabic-language spokesperson has consistently asserted that their military actions focus solely on “Hezbollah terrorist targets” and do not deliberately target civilians or rescue personnel. Despite these claims, Mahmoud Karaki, a spokesperson for the Islamic Health Committee rescue unit, disclosed that 18 of their centers have been “directly targeted” by Israeli strikes within the past year. He emphasized that no military targets were present in or near these healthcare centers at the time of the attacks.

The civil defense worker from Tebnine expressed his fears about the escalating violence. He lamented, “Listen to me, they targeted the Red Cross, civil defense, and the fire brigade. They can target anything without accountability … they are not afraid [of repercussions].”

Al-Risala and the Islamic Health Committee are healthcare services linked with Hezbollah and Haraket Amal, respectively, highlighting the intersection of politics and emergency response in the region.

Fear Among Rescue Workers

As the conflict intensifies, the risks for rescue workers have increased significantly. Ahmad Baydoun, a Lebanese conflict researcher, stated that after an Israeli strike, the military often uses further attacks to prevent rescuers from reaching the site, effectively ensuring that any remaining victims are not rescued.

A harrowing video surfaced recently, capturing an excavator operator being struck by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The footage reveals the immediate chaos and confusion following the explosion, underscoring the grave dangers that civilians and rescue workers face amidst the ongoing conflict.

Israeli officials claim that the recent airstrikes target Hezbollah figures and infrastructure, but the outcomes indicate a broader impact on civilians. Hezbollah’s spokesperson, Ali Tfayli, stated that the attacks on civilians are deliberate, asserting, “The Israelis made a decision to leave the suburb empty so they can do whatever they want.”

The increasing bombardment is forcing many rescue workers to reconsider their roles in this perilous environment. Walid Hashash, director-general of the civil defense in Beirut, voiced a critical perspective, stating, “Citizens have the right to ask the Lebanese state for help. But at some point, we have to protect our lives.”

Escalation of Violence

On September 23, 2024, Israel expanded its military operations against Hezbollah by launching airstrikes on southern Beirut and other Hezbollah strongholds. Since the start of hostilities on October 8, 2023, Israel has reportedly killed nearly 2,100 individuals in Lebanon, with a significant number of those deaths occurring after September 23. Of particular concern is that approximately 1,250 of these fatalities happened in just the last few weeks, surpassing the death toll from the entire month-long war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.

While initial Israeli attacks primarily targeted southern Lebanon and parts of the Bekaa Valley, the recent escalations have shown a dangerous shift, with attacks now spreading throughout various regions of Lebanon. Following an intense wave of airstrikes on September 23, more than 550 people lost their lives in a single day. The assassination of prominent Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27 led to widespread destruction, as multiple buildings in Beirut’s densely populated neighborhoods were destroyed.

These attacks have displaced approximately 1.2 million people, representing a quarter of Lebanon’s population. The devastation is evident in the daily news reports, showcasing images of demolished buildings and shattered lives.

Targeting Displaced Civilians

The situation has deteriorated to the point where Israel has begun targeting newly displaced civilians in areas such as Kayfoun and Qamatiyeh, which are approximately 30 minutes from Beirut by car. Previously, the southern regions were considered the most dangerous, but current conditions indicate that risks are prevalent throughout the country.

In the village of Meiss el-Jabal, which has suffered extensively from airstrikes in the past year, more than 40 raids were conducted in a mere four hours on October 6. The once-thriving village now stands nearly deserted, with only a few elderly residents remaining. Communication with these individuals has been lost for an entire week, leaving their fates uncertain.

The civil defense member from Tebnine shared his frustration, stating, “Nobody knows anything about their situation. Maybe they died in the raid

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in devastating consequences for both combatants and civilians alike, with medical and rescue personnel caught in the crossfire. Allegations of Israel intentionally targeting first responders highlight the urgent need for accountability and protection of humanitarian workers in conflict zones. As the violence escalates and the toll on human life continues to rise, the plight of Lebanon’s medical staff and civilian population grows increasingly dire.