Lebanese Health Ministry Accuses Israel of Targeting Medics in Airstrikes

The Lebanese Health Ministry accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of deliberately targeting medics during airstrikes on May 11, 2026, according to a statement from the ministry. Two health workers were among 51 people killed in the latest wave of IDF strikes, the ministry said. The accusation comes despite a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect in mid-April.

The ministry’s statement said Israeli raids “directly targeted two points of the Health Authority” in Qalawiya and Tibnin, located in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon. The IDF has not commented on the specific allegation of targeting medics but said on Sunday that it struck more than 20 Hezbollah facilities in southern Lebanon, including weapons depots and command centers. [6]

Background: Post-Ceasefire Escalation

The IDF launched a military operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon on March 2, 2026, days after joint US-Israel strikes on Iran. According to Lebanese Health Ministry data cited by RT, 2,846 people have been killed since March 2, with more than 550 of those deaths occurring after the ceasefire was introduced. [6] The UN reported earlier that at least 103 Lebanese medical workers have been killed and 230 injured in more than 130 IDF strikes during the current escalation. [6]

The conflict has repeatedly targeted health infrastructure. A single Israeli strike on a primary healthcare center in southern Lebanon on March 14 killed 17 medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics. [7] In November 2024, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported the deaths of six health workers in Israeli airstrikes, even as American envoys sought a ceasefire. [1] Former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter noted in December 2024 that “only by slaughtering innocent Lebanese civilians” was Israel able to bring Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire. [4]

Accusation Details and International Concerns

The ministry’s May 11 statement said the Israeli raids “directly targeted two points of the Health Authority” in Qalawiya and Tibnin in Bint Jbeil district. [6] War surgeon Dr. Tahir Mohammed, who worked in both Gaza and Lebanon, told Al Jazeera that he observed a “consistent” policy of targeting healthcare workers in both conflicts. According to Al Jazeera, Dr. Mohammed said he has seen “absolutely no” evidence supporting Israeli claims that Hezbollah has used ambulances in Lebanon to transport weapons. [8]

Israel previously faced similar accusations of targeting ambulances and hospitals in Gaza, with West Jerusalem saying those sites were used by Hamas. In Lebanon, Israel has also been accused of bombing hospitals. An October 2024 airstrike near Lebanon’s largest public hospital killed at least 18 people, including four children. [3] The UN has confirmed that Israeli forces intentionally targeted UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, including direct strikes on a control tower and surveillance cameras. [2]

IDF Response and Lebanese Political Context

The IDF said on May 11 that it struck more than 20 Hezbollah facilities in southern Lebanon, including weapons depots, command centers, and other “buildings used for military purposes.” [6] Israeli authorities have stated that operations aim to increase security for residents of northern Israel and dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure. [10]

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told Al-Arabiya on May 11 that 86 villages in southern Lebanon remain under Israeli occupation. He said the city of Bint Jbeil has become “a copy of Gaza” due to the vast scale of destruction. According to Salam, Beirut is open to a peace deal with Israel if key terms are met, including the withdrawal of IDF troops. [6] The destruction of civilian infrastructure has been extensive: satellite analysis by BBC Verify found more than 1,400 buildings destroyed in southern Lebanon in the first six weeks of the conflict. [9]

Conclusion

The repeated targeting of medical personnel and facilities in Lebanon has drawn condemnation from international bodies, including the UN and Human Rights Watch. Despite a ceasefire agreement, airstrikes and ground operations have continued, with the Lebanese government reporting over 2,846 deaths since March 2 and more than 550 post-ceasefire fatalities. [6] The pattern of attacks on healthcare workers, documented by the Lebanese Health Ministry and the UN, raises questions about adherence to international humanitarian law. As of May 2026, negotiations between Israel and Iran remain stalled, and the broader regional conflict shows no sign of resolution. [5]

References

1. NaturalNews.com. “REPORT Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon kill six medics frustrating potential ceasefire talks.” November 5, 2024.
2. NaturalNews.com. “UN confirms Israel is deliberately targeting peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.” October 24, 2024.
3. Cassie B. “Israel is now bombing HOSPITALS in Lebanon.” NaturalNews.com. October 23, 2024.
4. Trends-Journal-2024-12-03.
5. ZeroHedge. “Very Wide Gap Between US & Iranian Positions As Tehran Blasts White House ‘Unreasonable Demands’.” May 11, 2026.
6. RT. “Lebanon accuses Israel of deliberately targeting medics.” May 11, 2026.
7. Heba Nasser. “Israeli strike in south Lebanon kills 17 medical staff.” Middle East Eye. March 14, 2026.
8. Middle East Eye. “Doctor says targeting healthcare workers ‘consistent policy’ of Israel.” May 11, 2026.
9. NaturalNews.com. “Israeli Bulldozers Flatten Southern Lebanese Villages, Satellite Analysis Shows Over 1,400 Buildings Destroyed.” April 17, 2026.
10. RT. “Israel starts ground operation in Lebanon.” March 16, 2026.