WHO Chief Urges Israel to Reverse Beirut Evacuation Order Amid Threat to Hospitals and 5,000 Civilians

In a strong appeal amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, has urged Israel to immediately reverse its evacuation order for the Jnah area in Beirut. The evacuation directive issued by the Israel Defense Forces impacts a critical zone that includes two major referral hospitals—Rafik Hariri University Hospital and Al Zahraa Hospital—both currently operating at full capacity. According to WHO, approximately 450 patients, including 40 in intensive care units, are currently being treated in these hospitals. With no alternative medical facilities available to accommodate them, evacuation is being described as “operationally unfeasible.” The situation is further compounded by the presence of over 5,000 civilians taking shelter in five designated facilities within the same zone, as well as the nearby Ministry of Public Health complex. The hospitals are already under immense pressure, treating victims from the recent airstrikes carried out on April 8, which resulted in significant civilian casualties and injuries. Dr. Tedros emphasized the urgent need to protect healthcare infrastructure, stating that health facilities, medical personnel, patients, and civilians must be safeguarded at all times under international humanitarian law. The WHO’s statement comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, as continued hostilities risk further destabilizing the region and overwhelming already strained healthcare systems.