BEIRUT -UNS :Israeli forces set fire to the Mays al-Jabal Governmental Hospital in southern Lebanon on Friday, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, prompting an immediate condemnation from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, which described the incident as a grave assault on the country’s health sector.
The fire occurred in Mays al-Jabal in the Marjayoun district, amid heightened military tensions across southern Lebanon. Images reported by local media showed heavy black smoke rising from the hospital building. Initial reports did not indicate whether the incident caused casualties or specify the full extent of the damage.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health strongly condemned the incident, saying that attacks against medical institutions and healthcare personnel constitute, in its assessment, a “full-fledged war crime” and a serious violation of international agreements. The ministry called on the international community, the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross to respond to the incident.
According to the ministry, the hospital had been renovated and equipped following the previous war and was intended to provide medical services to residents and displaced people in southern border areas. The ministry also said the facility had previously been occupied by Israeli forces and used as a military barracks before being set ablaze.
The destruction of the facility represents a further blow to healthcare services in a region where medical infrastructure has already suffered extensive disruption. The hospital had previously been put out of service following Israeli strikes, while Lebanese authorities had begun efforts toward assessing damage and rehabilitation.
Lebanese Army Confronts Israeli Force Near Deir Mimas
Separately, tensions escalated near the southern Lebanese town of Deir Mimas, where an Israeli force approached a newly established temporary observation post operated by the Lebanese Army and threw stun grenades in the surrounding area, according to an official statement from the Lebanese Army.
The Lebanese Army said the observation post had been established on September 10, 2026, at the outskirts of Deir Mimas in coordination with the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L). Its stated purpose was to accompany local residents while they inspected their agricultural land.
According to the army, the Israeli force approached the position on Friday while it was located inside what the statement referred to as the “security zone.” Lebanese troops subsequently reinforced the position, leading to a heightened military alert between the two sides.
Following communications conducted through MCG4L, the Israeli force withdrew from the area. Lebanese troops later returned to their main position in the town, while the army said the incident remained under follow-up through the coordination mechanism.
The confrontation adds to mounting tensions along southern Lebanon, where military movements and attacks have repeatedly complicated efforts to restore stability and facilitate the return of residents to affected communities.
The hospital fire and the confrontation near Deir Mimas occurred against a backdrop of continuing Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials have repeatedly called for respect for international law and established coordination mechanisms, while the Israeli side has not immediately issued a public response specifically addressing the reported hospital fire.
