When the air strike occurred, Mohammed, a 29-year-old civil engineer, was distributing hot meals to elderly neighbors in his village. This initiative began following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon on October 1. Mohammed stood merely 5 meters (16 feet) away from the explosion that demolished a nearby house.
The blast left severe injuries on Mohammed, including scorched skin on his forehead and cheeks, charred hands, and third-degree burns on his abdomen. Two weeks later, he struggles with pain but feels compelled to share his experience.
“It was all black, smoke everywhere,” he recalls in a low voice. “It took about a minute. Then I started to recognize what is around me.”
Despite being close to death, he found two friends alive but seriously injured. He describes the chaos following the strike:
“There was no warning before the strike – not at all. The areas that are being hit are all civilian areas.”
Tragically, the attack claimed the life of a policeman who lived in the struck house.
Mohammed is currently recovering at Nabih Berri Government Hospital, located just 11 km (7 miles) from the Israeli border. This facility faces overwhelming challenges as it treats 20-30 casualties daily from air strikes, primarily civilians.
Dr. Hassan Wazni, hospital director, emphasizes their commitment:
“We take all patients, and all injured… We don’t discriminate between them.”
He faces difficulties securing daily necessities like 1,200 liters of fuel for generators while providing care without government support.
The hospital’s conditions reflect ongoing turmoil; it currently operates with a skeleton staff and only 25 patients as many are transferred to safer regions.
The conflict has taken a grave toll on local emergency responders. Over 110 paramedics and first responders have died due to Israeli attacks this past year alone.
Hussein Jaber, part of the emergency services, lost a close friend:
“He was enthusiastic and strong… He died as he lived.”
Despite risks like drones constantly surveilling their area, Hussein and his team remain committed to helping their community:
“We are like a safety net for the people… Nothing will stop us.”
As air strikes continue and civilians suffer, those who remain in Nabatieh face an uncertain future while first responders stand ready to assist.
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