CurrentReport Blog In a shocking development, the United Nations Office at Geneva has reported that 65 medical workers have been killed and 40 others injured in a series of attacks since September 17. The data was shared during a recent briefing by Ian Clarke, Deputy Incident Manager for the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the severe impact of the conflict on healthcare in the region.
According to Clarke, 16 targeted assaults have been recorded against healthcare centers across Lebanon, leading to the closure of 96 primary care facilities, especially in the southern part of the country. The statement also revealed that five hospitals have completely ceased operations due to infrastructure damage, while four others have been partially evacuated, forcing patients to be transferred to other locations.
“Since 17 September, 16 attacks on healthcare have been recorded, leaving behind 65 deaths and 40 injuries among health staff,” Clarke emphasized.
The surge in violence comes amidst Israel’s ongoing ground operation against Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon, which has been accompanied by intense airstrikes. Despite the heavy toll on medical facilities and personnel, Hezbollah continues to resist, launching rockets across the border in retaliation. Israel, for its part, has cited the safety and return of 60,000 displaced residents from the northern region as its primary goal amid the ongoing conflict.
The humanitarian crisis is deepening as medical workers face unprecedented dangers, significantly hampering the ability to provide critical healthcare services to the civilian population. The WHO and other international bodies are calling for immediate measures to protect healthcare facilities and staff from further harm.
