Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon have killed 12 paramedics, according to Lebanese authorities, as the UK called for an immediate ceasefire. The strikes, which hit a medical convoy in the village of al-Qasr, have drawn condemnation from humanitarian groups and raised fears of a broader conflict.
The paramedics, affiliated with the Islamic Health Authority, a group linked to Hezbollah, were travelling in two ambulances when they were struck. Lebanon’s health ministry described the attack as a “blatant violation of international law”. The Israeli military said it was targeting Hezbollah operatives and that the area had been warned of imminent strikes.
The incident comes amid a sharp escalation of cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have intensified since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October. Hezbollah has launched daily rocket attacks on northern Israel, while Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Lebanon.
In London, the Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, urged both sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire. “The killing of medical personnel is unacceptable. We call on all parties to de-escalate and return to the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” he said in a statement. The resolution, which ended the 2006 war, calls for the demilitarisation of southern Lebanon and the withdrawal of all non-state armed groups.
The UK’s position reflects growing international concern that the conflict could spiral into a full-scale war. The United States and France have also been working on a diplomatic initiative to prevent further escalation. However, Hezbollah has linked any cessation of hostilities to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a condition Israel has rejected.
On the ground, the situation remains volatile. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that the strikes also destroyed several homes in the border region. The Lebanese army said it had no immediate comment.
The death toll from Israeli strikes in Lebanon since October now stands at over 300, mostly Hezbollah fighters but also including dozens of civilians. On the Israeli side, 10 soldiers and 5 civilians have been killed by Hezbollah fire.
The attack on the paramedics is likely to further strain relations between Israel and the international community. The World Health Organization condemned the strikes, saying that healthcare workers must be protected. “This is a tragic reminder of the cost of war,” said Dr. Ahmed al-Mandhari, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean.
As night fell over southern Lebanon, the sound of Israeli drones was audible overhead. The paramedics who died had been responding to an earlier strike. Their bodies were retrieved from the wreckage in a scene of devastation.
The coming hours will be critical. Diplomatic channels remain open, but with both sides entrenched, the prospects for a quick ceasefire appear slim. The UK’s call, while important, may not be enough to halt the cycle of violence.
