Nearly 9,000 killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since 2023

More than 179 attacks on ambulance crews have been recorded since March 2, resulting in the deaths of 179 healthcare workers, according to data released by the national health ministry. The tally includes incidents in which ambulances were ambushed, set on fire, or otherwise targeted while responding to emergencies, and it marks a significant escalation in violence against medical personnel over the past five months.

The ministry’s report, compiled in collaboration with the national Red Cross and local law‑enforcement agencies, details that the attacks have occurred across multiple provinces, affecting both urban and rural areas. Officials note that the surge in assaults has disrupted emergency response capabilities, forced the relocation of medical teams, and heightened concerns about the safety of frontline workers. The government has announced an investigation into the incidents and is urging security forces to increase protection for ambulance services.

International health organizations have called for immediate measures to safeguard medical staff, emphasizing that the loss of 179 healthcare workers undermines public health efforts and violates international humanitarian law. Authorities have pledged to strengthen security protocols and to hold perpetrators accountable, aiming to restore confidence in emergency medical services and ensure uninterrupted care for the population.