12 paramedics killed, 1 injured in Israeli airstrike on medical center in southern Lebanon

ISTANBUL

At least 12 paramedics were killed Friday and one injured when an Israeli airstrike hit a medical center and clinic run by the Islamic Health Authority in Bourj Qalawayh in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s National News Agency said the Health Ministry condemned the attack, saying it violated international humanitarian law.

“This is the initial toll as rescue operations continue to search for missing persons,” the ministry said in a statement.

Hezbollah began targeting Israeli military sites March 2 in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire and the killing of Iranian then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran.

Israel expanded its campaign the same day with airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, and areas in southern and eastern Lebanon.

On March 3, Israel also launched a limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon after beginning a joint military campaign with the US against Iran on Feb. 28.

Lebanese authorities said Thursday that Israel’s expanded attacks have killed 733 people, injured 1,933 and displaced 822,000.