World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has raised serious concerns over a surge in attacks on healthcare facilities in Lebanon, warning that such incidents must not become “the new norm.”
In a statement shared on social media, Dr Tedros highlighted a recent strike that occurred just 100 meters from Rafik Hariri University Hospital—Lebanon’s largest public medical facility. The attack caused extensive damage to a nearby residential area, killing four people and injuring 39 others. The hospital itself, however, did not sustain damage.
Alarming Rise in Attacks
Between March 28 and 31, the WHO verified 11 separate attacks affecting healthcare facilities—an average of two per day. Notably, five incidents occurred on March 28 alone, impacting facilities across multiple regions, including:
Kfar Tibnit
Ghandouriyeh
Zawtar Al Gharbiyeh
Kfar Dajal
Jezzine
These attacks resulted in nine deaths and five injuries.
Further incidents included:
March 29: Attacks in Bint Jbeil and Chakra led to one death.
March 30: A strike impacting Rihab Hospital injured four people.
March 31: Damage to facilities in Kafra and Bint Jbeil resulted in one death and three injuries.
Rising Toll Since February
Since February 28, the WHO has verified 92 attacks targeting healthcare infrastructure, including medical vehicles, personnel, and warehouses. These incidents have resulted in:
53 deaths
137 injuries
Call for Global Responsibility
Dr Tedros strongly condemned the attacks, stressing that the protection of healthcare must remain a universal obligation.
“These acts cannot become the new norm,” he stated, urging the international community to reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding medical facilities, personnel, and patients.
He also called on all parties, amid expanding military operations by Israel, to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure proactive protection of healthcare services.
