At least twelve medical personnel have been killed in southern Lebanon following an Israeli airstrike, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The French news agency AFP reported the fatalities on Saturday, citing official sources.
The strike targeted a health centre in the town of Bourj Kalawiya, leaving doctors, nurses, and paramedics among the deceased. The Ministry of Health confirmed that five doctors, four nurses, and three paramedics were killed in the attack. In addition to the fatalities, more than twenty individuals sustained injuries, several of whom are reported to be in critical condition. Emergency services rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.
Earlier incidents in the region have compounded the crisis. In the town of Sawaneh, a separate attack claimed the lives of two paramedics affiliated with Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, escalating tensions in southern Lebanon. Local communities have been forced to evacuate, with many seeking safety from the ongoing hostilities.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health provided the following breakdown of casualties:
| Role | Number of Fatalities | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors | 5 | Bourj Kalawiya Health Centre |
| Nurses | 4 | Bourj Kalawiya Health Centre |
| Paramedics | 3 | Bourj Kalawiya & Sawaneh |
| Injured | 20+ | Local hospitals |
The attacks have raised serious concerns regarding humanitarian access in the region. International observers warn that the ongoing hostilities threaten the delivery of essential medical services, creating a precarious situation for civilians.
Meanwhile, tensions in the broader Middle East intensified following a separate military operation by the United States. US President Donald Trump announced a bombing of Iran’s Kharg Island, located near the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described the strikes as “one of the most powerful air operations in the history of US Central Command,” claiming that every military target on the island, often referred to as Iran’s “crown jewel,” was completely destroyed.
Analysts have expressed concern that these simultaneous escalations in Lebanon and the Persian Gulf could destabilise the region further. Humanitarian organisations are mobilising to provide medical aid and relief for the injured, but access remains limited due to ongoing security threats.
The Lebanese health authorities and international agencies are calling for urgent measures to protect civilians and medical personnel, emphasising the importance of safeguarding hospitals and healthcare workers in conflict zones. The recent attacks underscore the growing vulnerability of essential services in areas affected by armed conflict, raising fears of further casualties if hostilities continue unabated.
In summary, the combination of airstrikes in southern Lebanon and strikes on strategic Iranian targets highlights the precarious state of regional security, threatening both civilian safety and humanitarian operations.