Paramedic Killed in Strike on Medical Team in Southern Lebanon

(MENAFN) A Lebanese paramedic lost his life and another was injured in the early hours of Thursday after an Israeli strike hit a medical team operating in southern Lebanon, according to official information from the country’s Health Ministry.

Authorities said the attack targeted an ambulance crew in the town of Zebdine, located in the Nabatieh district. According to the ministry, the incident marked the fourth attack by Israeli forces on emergency responders or healthcare facilities within a period of less than 24 hours.

The strike came as Lebanon and Israel moved forward with efforts to maintain their fragile truce. Reports indicated that both sides had agreed to prolong the ceasefire and establish "pilot zones" designed to place designated areas under the exclusive authority of the Lebanese Armed Forces while excluding non-state groups. The arrangement was discussed during US-mediated negotiations held in Washington on Wednesday.

The development followed a fourth round of talks involving Lebanese and Israeli representatives, conducted with US sponsorship in Washington. The discussions focused on sustaining the ceasefire and resolving outstanding security concerns between the two sides.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on April 17 and was later extended into early July, Israeli forces have continued carrying out frequent air raids and ground operations in Lebanon, according to reports.

Data released by Lebanon’s Health Ministry indicate that since March 2, Israeli military actions have resulted in 3,516 deaths and 10,674 injuries nationwide.

Israeli forces also remain present in multiple locations in southern Lebanon. These include territories occupied for many years as well as areas captured during the 2023–24 conflict. Reports further state that Israeli troops have advanced several kilometers into Lebanese territory during the ongoing hostilities.

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