Israel airstrikes kill 10 civilians in Lebanon in just one day - including SIX paramedics

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Friday killed at least 10 civilians, including six paramedics and a Syrian girl, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The first strike hit the village of Hanouiyeh, killing four paramedics working for Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Association and wounding two others. Another strike in Deir Qanoun al Nahr killed six people, including a Syrian child and two paramedics from the Al-Rissala Scouts Association, a group affiliated with Hezbollah’s ally, the Amal movement. Six more were injured, including three paramedics and a Syrian woman, with the ministry calling the attacks a violation of international law. The escalation follows near-daily clashes despite a US-brokered ceasefire, which has failed to halt the conflict since it began on March 2. The war erupted after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, two days after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, a primary backer of the militant group. Lebanon’s Health Ministry previously reported over 3,000 deaths in the latest round of fighting, while the UN’s World Health Organization confirmed 169 attacks on healthcare workers and facilities, resulting in 116 deaths since the conflict started. The Israeli military did not respond to requests for comment but has previously accused Hezbollah of using ambulances to conceal militant activities, though no evidence was provided. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army and General Security Directorate issued statements reaffirming their officers’ loyalty to national institutions, a day after the US Treasury sanctioned Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese legislators and security officials. The sanctions target those accused of aiding Hezbollah’s influence over Lebanese state institutions and obstructing disarmament efforts, marking the first time Washington has penalized sitting Lebanese security officials. The conflict stems from Hezbollah’s involvement in the Gaza war following the October 7 attacks by Hamas and its affiliates. The ongoing violence threatens regional stability, with Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel locked in a prolonged confrontation amid international diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.