BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad said on Thursday that over 40 paramedics and firefighters have been killed by Israeli fire within just three days, among 97 killed since Hezbollah and Israel began fighting since October last.
Health Minister Firass Abiad provided these figures during a press conference, emphasizing the dangerous conditions faced by those working in ambulances and fire trucks in the conflict zones.
“In just three days, 40 individuals working in emergency response have lost their lives,” Abiad stated.
Since the fighting erupted, a total of 1,974 people have been reported killed due to Israeli fire, including 127 children, with more than 9,350 persons wounded.
The health minister’s statement highlights the grave impact of the conflict not only on civilians but also on those tasked with providing critical emergency services.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also addressed the situation, noting that “28 health workers have been killed in the last 24 hours” in Lebanon alone.
He expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing attacks and the difficulties in delivering aid.
“We had planned to deliver a large shipment of trauma and medical supplies to Lebanon tomorrow. Unfortunately, this has not been possible due to the almost complete closure of Beirut’s airport,” he said.
