Healthcare workers and officials in South Lebanon have accused Israel of deliberately targeting medical staff and facilities during ongoing hostilities, including through the use of so-called double-tap strikes.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, at least 128 medical facilities and ambulances have been struck since the conflict began on March 2, resulting in the deaths of 40 healthcare workers and injuries to 107 others.
The escalation followed rocket fire by Hezbollah, which triggered Israeli military action.
Medical workers said many strikes occurred while they were inside ambulances or at first aid centres. Several facilities in the Nabatieh and Tyre governorates have been destroyed. They also reported at least five instances of double-tap strikes, where an initial attack is followed by a second strike targeting responders arriving at the scene.
International law protects medical personnel and facilities, and rights group Amnesty International said that targeting them would be unlawful regardless of political affiliations.
The Israeli military has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for military purposes, stating it would act in accordance with international law if such practices continued. However, Lebanese authorities have rejected the claim, calling it an attempt to justify attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Most of the strikes have affected the Islamic Health Association, a healthcare provider linked to Hezbollah, along with the state civil defence service, the Islamic Scouts Association affiliated with the Amal movement, and the Lebanese Red Cross.
Healthcare workers said the pattern of attacks appears aimed at making parts of south Lebanon uninhabitable, with strikes also reported during times when medics gather to break the Ramadan fast.
The conflict has placed severe strain on the healthcare system, with more than 1,000 people killed and 2,584 wounded in just over two weeks, according to official figures. Hospitals in the region are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties, while medical teams are operating under constant threat.
Despite the risks, paramedics said they continue their work, often taking precautions such as reducing team sizes and maintaining distance from others to limit casualties in case of strikes.