Israel warns rescue workers against going to strike-hit areas – Lebanon Civil Defence

On October 4, 2024, 9:34 PM

Israel has threatened to strike Lebanese search and rescue teams if they go to the southern suburbs of Beirut to help those trapped under the rubble, according to Lebanon’s Civil Defence.

Following Israel’s massive strike on a residential neighbourhood in Dahieh overnight, the Civil Defence – administered by the Ministry of Interior – received a call saying any teams heading to the area within 72 hours of the attack will be struck, they told the BBC.

Lebanon’s national news agency said the Prime Minister Najib Mikati has made several calls to foreign officials asking them to pressure Israel to allow search and rescue teams to do their work.

Israel has hit rescue teams and health workers across south Lebanon and in Beirut, killing and wounding dozens. Yesterday the Lebanese minister of health said Israel had killed 97 health and search and rescue workers so far and injured 188.

The majority of those killed are from the Islamic Health Organisation – linked to Hezbollah – which has been offering health services to the displaced and conducting search-and-rescue operations.

Teams from the Lebanese Red Cross, the Lebanese Civil Defence, the Islamic Risala Scout Association, and the Amel Association international, have also been struck by Israel, according to the Lebanese minister.

The BBC has asked the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment.