An Israeli airstrike on the Civil Defense Center in Baalbek, eastern Lebanon, late Thursday killed at least 13 personnel.
This marks the second such attack after a similar strike on the Dardghiya center in southern Lebanon, which killed five. These strikes have raised concerns about Israel’s motives.
While Israel’s recent attacks on hospitals, medical teams, and ambulances in southern Lebanon seemed aimed at eradicating all signs of life, especially south of the Litani River, the shift of these operations to eastern Lebanon has raised new questions.
International Accountability
Brig. Gen. Raymond Khattar, head of Lebanon’s Civil Defense, condemned the attack, calling it unjustifiable.
He stressed in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat that Israel’s repeated attacks on Civil Defense centers violate international agreements and should be addressed by the international community.
“This will only strengthen our resolve to continue our work,” he said.
The death toll in Baalbek may rise, with four missing personnel and remains undergoing DNA testing.
Continued Violence
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health condemned the strike on a state-run medical center, calling it a “barbaric attack” and the second Israeli strike on a medical facility within two hours.
The ministry urged international action to stop these violations, warning that unchecked violence threatens basic human values.
Health Minister Firas Abiad previously accused Israel of targeting medical staff, revealing that 13 hospitals were shut down, over 150 health workers killed, and 100 medical centers and 130 ambulances attacked. These numbers have since increased.
Israel defends its actions by claiming the medical centers and ambulances were hiding weapons and militants.
However, a Civil Defense worker in Baalbek appeared in a video, crying over the loss of his colleagues and emphasizing that the center had only medical supplies and water hoses.
Gaza-like Situation in Lebanon
Former Interior Minister Marwan Charbel believes Israel’s message is clear: “Those we kill should not be rescued or treated.”
He compared the situation in Lebanon to Gaza, where only three of 53 hospitals remain operational. In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he warned that Israel would likely escalate further, knowing it has until the end of the year.
Charbel also criticized the “alarming international silence” over the attacks.
Blocking Rescue Efforts
Dr. Jebran Qarnouni, a disaster management expert, suggested that targeting Civil Defense centers is meant to block rescue and medical efforts.
He emphasized to Asharq Al-Awsat that these attacks violate international law and the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit targeting medical facilities and ambulances during conflicts.
