Israeli strikes kill five in south Lebanon, including three rescuers

AFP

Two successive Israeli strikes on a building in a southern Lebanese town have killed five people on Tuesday, including three rescuers who went to help those wounded in the initial attack, Lebanon's health ministry said.

A spokesperson for the Lebanese Civil Defense, a state-run rescue force, told Reuters the three rescuers were initially trapped under rubble by the second Israeli strike on the town of Majdal Zoun and were later confirmed dead.

The Lebanese army said earlier that two troops were also wounded in the second Israeli strike.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

LEBANESE PM SAYS STRIKES ARE A 'WAR CRIME'

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes as "a new and blatant war crime committed by Israel."

The United Nations Human Rights Office said last month that Israeli airstrikes on civilians, including healthcare workers in Lebanon, may amount to war crimes.

More than 2,500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes across Lebanon since March 2, when Hezbollah fired on Israeli positions and triggered a widespread Israeli air and ground campaign. The toll includes more than 100 medics, as well as over 270 women and more than 170 children.

The US-mediated ceasefire ​agreed between Israel and Lebanon has led to a ⁠reduction in hostilities, but Israel and Hezbollah have continued to ​clash in southern Lebanon, accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.

Israeli troops are occupying a strip of southern Lebanon and have warned people not to return to their homes there, but the Israeli air force has also continued strikes outside that strip, including the town hit on Tuesday.

Last week, Israeli strikes killed a Lebanese journalist in southern Lebanon, with Lebanese authorities and press advocates saying continuing Israeli attacks had blocked rescuers from accessing the site where the journalist had been trapped under the rubble.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, has kept up its drone and rocket attacks against Israeli troops in Lebanon and on northern ​Israel.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military said it had found and dismantled tunnels in southern Lebanon used by Hezbollah.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    1:00pm - 4:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!