Beirut, Lebanon

Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad, on Friday (Oct 25) said that Israeli strikes have killed over 160 rescuers and healthcare personnel over the past year amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah.

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"The total number of rescuers and health sector workers killed has so far has reached 163, with 272 others wounded," Abiad stated in a press briefing detailing the "damage caused by Israeli attacks on the health sector in Lebanon."

The conflict initially began after Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, started carrying out minor strikes on Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group Hamas following their October 7 attack on Israel. The violence has escalated dramatically since an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah leader Nasrallah in Beirut’s southern suburbs on September 27.

Also read: Iran orders troops to be ready for war with Israel 'but also avoid it if...'

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Last month, Israel intensified its offensive by targeting Hezbollah strongholds, deploying ground troops, and eliminating several high-ranking leaders within the Lebanon-based militant group. 

Israel claims that its strikes focus on military targets within Lebanon and Gaza and that it wants to prevent civilian casualties. Israel accuses Hezbollah, like Hamas, of hiding itself within civilian areas, a claim both groups deny.

Meanwhile, on Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss Israel’s strikes. Following the meeting, Blinken pledged to urgently seek a diplomatic solution in Lebanon. He appealed to Israel to avoid civilian casualties but did not call for an immediate ceasefire.

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"We have a sense of real urgency in getting to a diplomatic resolution and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, such that there can be real security along the border between Israel and Lebanon," Blinken said, referring to calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah.

(With inputs from agencies)

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