Lebanon First Responders Under Siege Amid Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

Since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated on October 8, 2022, first responders in southern Lebanon have faced grave dangers while trying to save lives. Despite being protected under international humanitarian law, these brave paramedics and rescue workers have found themselves caught in the crossfire. The situation has become increasingly dire, with recent reports indicating that at least 13 individuals lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a civil defense center in the Baalbek area.

Bachir Khodr, the regional governor, confirmed that the facility was a government property and that among the deceased was the city’s civil defense chief. The European Union's High Representative, Josep Borrell, expressed strong condemnation of the loss of life, stating that the pattern of attacks reflects disturbing trends seen in other global conflicts.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, as of October 31, 2024, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 173 emergency workers, with 277 others injured. Additionally, 243 medical vehicles and 55 hospitals have suffered damage. Humanitarian organizations have joined the ministry in denouncing these attacks, emphasizing that targeting first responders is not only a violation of international law but also a breach of basic human decency.

Tania Baban, the Lebanon country director for the charity MedGlobal, described the killing of first responders as a “heartbreaking violation.” She highlighted that these individuals risk their lives daily to assist others, often under extreme conditions. The Lebanese Civil Defense has documented the names and details of 13 personnel and volunteers who have been killed while performing their duties, with many injuries reported among those who survived the attacks.

The Health Ministry has condemned the ongoing targeting of emergency medical teams, urging the international community to intervene and halt what it describes as a series of war crimes. A recent airstrike on an ambulance in Zefta resulted in the death of a paramedic and injuries to two others, further underscoring the perilous environment in which these first responders operate.

International humanitarian law, including the First Geneva Convention, explicitly prohibits harming medical personnel and facilities. However, reports from Human Rights Watch indicate that there have been direct attacks on medical personnel and facilities in Lebanon, which they classify as apparent war crimes. The UN has also reported that over 100 medics and emergency workers have been killed in the past year due to the ongoing conflict.

The situation has escalated significantly since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2022, which triggered a series of retaliatory actions from Israel, including air and ground assaults on Hezbollah positions. This has led to widespread destruction in southern Lebanon, displacing approximately 1.2 million people, with many fleeing to war-torn Syria.

As the conflict continues, the toll on both sides remains staggering. In Lebanon, over 3,189 people have been killed, including many women and children, while in Israel, 72 individuals have lost their lives due to Hezbollah attacks. The Israeli military has not denied targeting ambulances in southern Lebanon, raising serious concerns about the safety of medical personnel in the region.

The ongoing violence in Lebanon highlights the critical need for the protection of first responders and adherence to international humanitarian laws. As the world watches, it is essential to advocate for the safety of those who dedicate their lives to saving others, ensuring that humanitarian efforts are respected and upheld even in times of conflict. The plight of these brave individuals serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and humanity in the face of adversity.