WHO Sounds Alarm Over Surge in Attacks on Lebanon Healthcare

The World Health Organization expressed grave concern on Friday over Israeli attacks impacting healthcare workers and medical facilities in Lebanon amid its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris highlighted the alarming toll on healthcare staff and facilities, noting 102 deaths and 83 injuries resulting from these attacks.

While the WHO tracks incidents targeting healthcare, it refrains from assigning blame. Harris explained that while WHO has confirmed 55 attacks, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reports even higher figures, as numerous casualties have involved off-duty healthcare workers, intensifying strain on an already overburdened healthcare system. With health workers displaced and facing heavy workloads, their loss further hampers the healthcare response when it is most critical.

Harris reiterated that healthcare and health workers must not be targeted, emphasizing the struggle for adequate medical care due to ongoing assaults on Lebanon’s healthcare system. Lebanon’s economic conditions and fuel shortages have already added significant stress to hospital operations, making it increasingly difficult to access care, particularly in areas hit by hospital attacks. The healthcare system is overwhelmed by casualties, Harris said, bearing an immense load.

Since the conflict’s intensification on September 23, following nearly a year of cross-border hostilities, the death toll in Lebanon has reached at least 1,829, according to health ministry data compiled by AFP. On Thursday, cross-border fire from Lebanon into Israel led to seven deaths, including four Thai nationals. Israel reports that 37 of its soldiers have died in Lebanon since ground operations began on September 30.