Israels military actions damage healthcare facilities in southern Lebanon

Lebanon’s Healthcare System Under Strain Amid Ongoing Conflict

A recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in significant damage to Lebanon’s healthcare infrastructure. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, 53 medical workers have been killed, 87 ambulances or medical centers destroyed, and five hospitals forced to close since March 2.

The attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel are part of a broader effort by Israel to force people out of southern Lebanon, according to experts. The region has seen an influx of displaced persons, with over 1.2 million individuals currently without access to their homes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Lebanon, Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, reported that health facilities have been directly attacked and healthcare workers have been displaced as a result of the conflict. The strain on the healthcare system has increased exponentially due to the influx of displaced persons, with emergency room admissions rising significantly.

The destruction of healthcare infrastructure is also attributed to the ongoing war in Iran, which has impacted shipping routes for crucial medicine and supplies. The Lebanese healthcare system was already under strain prior to the conflict, due to previous crises including a 2019 financial crisis and a 2023-2024 war.

A doctor working on the ground treating displaced individuals stated that the destruction of healthcare infrastructure is part of a strategy to make southern Lebanon uninhabitable. With over a million displaced persons, healthcare facilities are under increased strain, leading to a significant increase in emergency room admissions.

The situation remains dire, with Israeli forces continuing their invasion of southern Lebanon and declaring an intention to occupy the region. The international community has been monitoring the situation closely, with the United Nations reporting over 10,000 recorded ceasefire violations by Israel despite a supposed ceasefire in place since November 27, 2024.

Source: Al Jazeera