‘They targeted us directly’: how the Israel-Lebanon war became deadly for healthcare workers

Since March, at least 135 healthcare workers in Lebanon have been killed by Israeli bombardment, making the country one of the deadliest places for medics. Surgeon Moustapha Hamze, 66, has been confined to Nabih Berri governmental hospital in Nabatieh since the war began, unable to return home after an Israeli drone attack. He described the conflict as the most intense he has experienced, noting, “The Israeli bombardment was worse. I saw greater injustice and bodies in unnatural, horrifying conditions.” Mohammed Suleiman, chief paramedic for Nabatieh emergency services, stated that unlike previous conflicts, "they targeted us directly" in this war, which resulted in the death of his 16-year-old son, Joud, a paramedic. Despite a June ceasefire, bombings continue, with medical workers remaining targets.