Beirut claims Israeli strike on Lebanese army patrol killed 5, including 3 medics, and wounded 2 soldiers

An alleged Israeli strike on a Lebanese army patrol has killed five people, including three paramedics, and wounded two soldiers, Lebanon’s Health Ministry says, adding the toll is still preliminary.

The strike was in the southern town of Majdal Zoun, near the coastal city of Tyre.

Israeli forces hit an army patrol that was accompanying Civil Defense medical teams and bulldozers during a rescue operation at the site of a previous Israeli strike, the Lebanese army and Civil Defense say. Some of the responders were trapped under rubble by the second strike, they say.

The Israeli military does not immediately comment.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemns the strike, arguing it is part of a pattern of Israeli attacks on rescue and emergency workers in violation of international law. Israel accuses Hezbollah of embedding itself in the civilian population, including using medical facilities and vehicles for cover.

The Western-backed Lebanese army has largely stood on the sidelines during the recent rounds of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, although dozens of its soldiers have been killed.