Lebanese Red Cross hit by Israeli strike in southern Lebanon
A Lebanese Red Cross paramedic has been killed in an Israeli strike in the southern Lebanese town of Beit Yahoun. After Hassan Badawi’s killing on Sunday, the International Committee of the Red Cross said it was deeply concerned by attacks on medical workers in Lebanon.
“The loss of those who dedicate their lives to saving others is gravely concerning, given the impact on the civilians who depend on their help,” said Agnes Dhur, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Lebanon.
“Saving lives must never cost a life. Humanitarian and medical personnel must be protected. They must be allowed to reach and help the wounded and return unharmed.”
The ICRC called on all parties to the fighting to “uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law”.
Lebanon’s president calls for ceasefire ahead of Washington meeting
Lebanon’s President Aoun says he hopes a meeting in Washington between Lebanese, US and Israeli representatives will lead to a ceasefire.
In remarks to Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Lebanese presidency said on X that Lebanon wants “an agreement … with the aim of initiating direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel” to end hostilities and stabilise the south.
He said there is “an available opportunity to reach a sustainable solution”, but stressed it “cannot be one-sided” and that Israel must respond to calls “to stop its aggressions … and commence negotiations”.
“Israel’s destruction of Lebanese areas is not the solution and will not achieve any result, because diplomatic solutions have always been the best for armed conflicts.”
He welcomed Italy’s offer to host talks and said negotiations would be handled “by the Lebanese state and no other party”. He also said Lebanon has stepped up security measures at Rafic Hariri International Airport and border crossings to prevent arms smuggling.
Hezbollah reports wave of attacks on northern Israel and border areas
Hezbollah says it has launched a series of rocket and drone attacks at Israel, citing what it described as repeated ceasefire violations. In multiple statements issued today, the group said its fighters targeted Israeli positions near Bint Jbeil, al-Bayyada and the outskirts of Tyre.
It also claimed rocket fire on northern Israel in Hanita, Shlomi and Nahariya, as well as a drone attack on the Shraga base, described as “the administrative headquarters of the Golani Brigade”.
