For many, Israeli attacks in Lebanon evoke its war in Gaza

Key Points:

• Dr. Mohammed Ziara, a surgeon from Gaza, warns that Israel’s military campaign in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah is replicating the devastating attacks on Gaza’s health care system, including targeting hospitals and ambulances.
• Since the March 2 outbreak of war, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 56 Lebanese health professionals, forced the closure of multiple hospitals and clinics, and attacked emergency medical workers, severely straining Lebanon’s already fragile health system.
• Israel accuses Hezbollah of using civilian medical facilities for military purposes, justifying attacks on them, but there is no independent verification of such claims, and Hezbollah denies these allegations.
• The conflict has caused massive civilian suffering, with indiscriminate bombings destroying homes and killing civilians, including medical personnel and journalists, raising concerns over potential violations of international law and increasing calls for accountability.
• Lebanese hospitals, overwhelmed by casualties and disrupted by power outages and evacuations, struggle to provide care amid ongoing bombardments, while civilians express fear and frustration over the lack of warnings and the indiscriminate nature of the attacks.