Paramedics Face Grim Reality in Abandoned Lebanese City of Nabatieh Amidst Israeli Strikes
Nabatieh, once a bustling city in southern Lebanon, now stands largely deserted, its streets emptied by the continuous escalation of conflict. BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega accompanied local paramedics, witnessing first-hand the grim reality of their operations in a region severely impacted by Israeli strikes.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. This legal action underscores the international scrutiny on Israel's military conduct, which extends to its operations in Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza, where multiple UN bodies and independent investigators have documented war crimes.
The situation in Nabatieh exemplifies the humanitarian crisis unfolding. Paramedics are at the forefront, navigating a landscape of destruction to aid those caught in the hostilities. The city’s abandonment reflects a broader pattern of displacement and suffering across the region, further compounded by a conflict with Iran initiated by the United States and Israel on 28 February, which included strikes killing Iran's Supreme Leader and hundreds of civilians, notably an attack on a primary school that killed 110 children.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently hearing genocide proceedings against Israel, brought by South Africa, and in January 2024, it issued provisional measures ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide. Amnesty International further concluded in December 2024 that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, adding to the grave concerns regarding the ongoing human cost of these conflicts.
