Israel’s Devastation of South Lebanon Intensifies, Raising Fears of a Gaza-Style Campaign

Borj Qalaouiya, Lebanon – Israeli airstrikes are causing widespread destruction in southern Lebanon, with a recent attack on a health center in Borj Qalaouiya killing 12 medical workers and displacing nearly one million Lebanese citizens – approximately one-sixth of the nation’s population. The escalating conflict, triggered by the U.S. And Israeli attack on Iran on February 28th and subsequent retaliatory actions by Hezbollah, is raising concerns about a potential campaign mirroring Israel’s actions in Gaza.

A Nurse’s Account of Loss and Destruction

Ali Jishi, a nurse in Borj Qalaouiya, recounted the harrowing moments when an Israeli missile struck the health center where he worked. He narrowly avoided being killed, witnessing the destruction that claimed the lives of his father, a medic, and 11 colleagues. “Ten minutes earlier, or 10 seconds later, and I would have been there. It would have got me too,” Jishi stated, describing the scene as a “gray-colored mulch” filled with remnants of medical supplies and personal belongings.

Escalating Attacks on Healthcare Facilities

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on March 2nd that 27 attacks on healthcare sites in Lebanon have resulted in 30 deaths and 35 injuries. Lebanon’s Health Ministry has since reported an increased toll, with 38 deaths and 69 wounded, along with the destruction of dozens of ambulances and 13 health centers.

Israel’s Justification and Hezbollah’s Response

The Israeli military is reviewing the incident in Borj Qalaouiyah, but has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for military purposes. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Monday the commencement of a ground operation aimed at eliminating threats and protecting residents of northern Israel.

Hezbollah official Hajj Salman Harb stated that Israeli bombardment has destroyed 750 housing units and partially damaged 17,000 others, claiming the attacks are “massacres committed…to compensate for their failures in the war.”

Fears of a Gaza-Style Evacuation and Erasure

Lebanese citizens fear Israel is employing the same “evacuate, eliminate, erase” doctrine used in Gaza, involving mass evacuations, elimination of resistance, and the destruction of civilian and medical infrastructure to prevent return. Abdullah Nour Al-Din, head of the regional civil defense unit of the Islamic Health Commission, questioned the purpose of targeting the health center, suggesting it was an attempt to “terrorize medical teams.”

Concerns Over International Conventions

Nour Al-Din expressed concern that Israel does not adhere to international conventions regarding the protection of medical workers, noting the staff at the Borj Qalaouiya center had finished their Ramadan iftar meal just before the attack and received no warning.

Echoes of Gaza and the Targeting of Healthcare

Jonathan Whittall, a former senior U.N. Official and head of the KEYS initiative, drew parallels between the attacks in Lebanon and the situation in Gaza, where Israel was accused of deliberately and systematically destroying health infrastructure, resulting in 22 hospitals being set out of service and over 1,700 medical workers killed. Whittall warned that Israel is laying the “groundwork” for dismantling the means of survival in Lebanon, including pressuring health facilities and critical infrastructure.

Denials and Justifications

Both Jishi and Hezbollah deny accusations that medical facilities are being used for military purposes. Jishi emphasized the center served 20 villages and included a pharmacy, X-ray room, and other medical services, even housing a public library. He stated, “The Israelis don’t need an excuse to hit us,” adding that they will “find a million reasons” to justify their actions.

Displacement and Uncertainty

With the ongoing conflict, Jishi, like many others, has been displaced from his village and faces restrictions on visiting family. He remains focused on addressing the immediate aftermath of the attack, stating, “It’s not the time for sadness. After the war I’ll be sad.”