BBC joins paramedics on duty in Lebanon after Israeli strikes
BBC joins paramedics on duty in Lebanon after Israeli strikes
Paramedics in Nabatieh
Hugo Bachega, the BBC’s Middle East correspondent, accompanies paramedics in Nabatieh, Lebanon—a city that once thrived but now stands in ruins. Over 200,000 people have fled their homes since hostilities resumed in March, leaving many neighborhoods eerily silent. At a shattered ambulance hub, a medical worker recounts the moment a fellow team member was killed by an Israeli strike while speaking to his spouse on the phone.
“His colleague was just on the line, talking to his wife, when the explosion came.”
Hezbollah’s Role
Israel asserts that some ambulances and health centers in Lebanon are aiding Hezbollah, yet paramedics dispute this, citing no proof of such use. In Bint Jbeil, the Israel Defense Forces reported eliminating over 20 Hezbollah militants operating from a hospital complex, a location that saw intense clashes during the 2006 conflict. Lebanon’s health ministry refuted the claim, accusing Israel of deliberately attacking civilian and medical sites.
Families in Beirut
Amid the crisis, the BBC’s Hugo Bachega speaks with families in Beirut, where over a million individuals have been forced to relocate. The city’s skyline is now marked by smoke from ongoing air strikes, with residents grappling with uncertainty. In Dahieh, a Beirut suburb, some locals have abandoned their homes as Israeli bombing campaigns intensify.
Strait of Hormuz Impact
The Royal Navy’s potential involvement in the Strait of Hormuz is under scrutiny by BBC Verify. Footage captures the chaotic movement of vessels through the critical oil passage since the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran began on 27 February. Trade at the Middle East’s largest port has suffered heavily due to Iran’s blockade of the strait, disrupting global energy supplies.
“BBC Verify examines how the Royal Navy could contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz.”
Storm and Displacement
Displaced Palestinians in the region were urged to secure their tents ahead of a severe storm, with winds threatening to topple shelters. In the enclave, residents endure constant danger from aerial bombardments and the broader conflict. Meanwhile, in Dimona, southern Israel, a BBC correspondent reports on an Iranian missile strike that damaged the city. A witness’s video, verified by the BBC, shows a drone landing near the airport, sparking further concern.
Crisis in the Gulf
Footage from social media depicts flames engulfing a building in the early hours of Sunday, following renewed attacks on the Gulf state. The scene is marked by towering smoke plumes that overshadow the city’s skyline. Meanwhile, in north-west Iran, Dan Johnson listens to locals’ perspectives on the war and their government’s policies, highlighting the region’s growing anxiety.
International Response
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper responds to President Trump’s critique of the UK’s handling of the conflict in Iran. The situation continues to evolve, with the BBC documenting the human and logistical toll across the region.