BBC joins paramedics on duty in Lebanon after Israeli strikes
BBC in Lebanon Amid Israeli Strikes
BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega documents the efforts of medical staff in Nabatieh, a city that once buzzed with life but now stands eerily quiet. Since hostilities resumed in March, over 20% of the population has been displaced. In a damaged ambulance center, a paramedic recounts the moment a fellow worker was struck by an Israeli missile while speaking to his wife on the phone.
“He was just calling home when the strike hit. It’s heartbreaking to see the city we used to know reduced to this.”
Israel claims some ambulances and healthcare sites in Lebanon are aiding Hezbollah, but paramedics dispute this, citing no proof. Elsewhere, Israeli forces reported eliminating more than 20 Hezbollah fighters from a hospital area in Bint Jbeil, a region rekindled with conflict during the 2006 war.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry Denies Allegations
The ministry criticized Israel for attacking civilians and medical facilities, countering the accusation that ambulances are being used as Hezbollah strongholds. Bachega also interviews families in Beirut, where over a million people have fled their homes due to the ongoing crisis.
Escalation in the Conflict
Hostilities intensified after a teenager was killed in a settler attack, reportedly by a Palestinian driver. Israel’s military was ordered to dismantle crossings over the Litani River, key routes for Hezbollah’s supply lines. Meanwhile, in southern Israel, a missile strike on Dimona left at least 10 dead and 27 injured, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
Violence in Bint Jbeil
Footage from the region shows intense clashes, with Israel asserting its troops targeted Hezbollah operatives in a hospital compound. However, the health ministry remains skeptical, pointing to civilian casualties as evidence of deliberate strikes.
Iranian Perspectives on the War
Residents in north-west Iran describe daily life under the shadow of bombs and political repression. BBC Verify’s Ben Chu explores the Royal Navy’s potential involvement in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil passage. A storm forced displaced Palestinians to reinforce their tents, as winds threatened to carry them away.
Strait of Hormuz and Economic Impact
Paul Adams details the peril of navigating the strait, now a focal point of regional tensions. Verified video from the BBC captures flames engulfing an oil depot in Iran, showcasing the strategic significance of the area. Since the US-Israeli campaign began on 27 February, maritime traffic has seen disruptions, straining Lebanon’s largest port.
Political Reactions and Public Concern
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper addressed criticism from President Trump, defending the UK’s approach to the conflict. Scenes of destruction in the capital highlight the human cost, with social media footage of fires and smoke rising against the skyline. A drone crash near the airport, confirmed by BBC verification, adds to the chaos. Overnight, explosions rattled Beirut as air strikes targeted the city’s busiest airport.
Displacement and Daily Struggles
Some families in the Beirut suburb of Dahieh have evacuated their homes, caught in the crossfire of Israeli air strikes. The crisis has left millions without shelter, as the region grapples with the aftermath of escalating violence.
