WHO chief expresses concern over Israeli attacks on Iranian oil facilities

World Health Organization Head Warns of Potential Health Risks from Israeli Attacks on Iranian Oil Facilities

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a statement warning that recent attacks by Israel on oil facilities in Iran could pose health risks to certain populations. According to his post on X, damage to these facilities “risks contaminating food, water, and air,” which can have severe health impacts on children, older people, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

Reports from Iranian authorities indicate that the capital city of Tehran and nearby Alborz province were targeted by Israeli forces. The attacks resulted in massive flames and thick smoke, with some areas experiencing “black rain” due to oil-laden precipitation. The US and Israeli governments have vowed to continue their military actions against Iran despite international concerns.

Iran has responded to these strikes by launching missiles and drones at targets across the Middle East, including energy infrastructure in nearby Arab Gulf states. Human rights groups have condemned both Iran and the US-Israeli coalition for targeting civilian infrastructure.

Amnesty International’s head, Agnes Callamard, has also expressed concern over the potential harm caused by these attacks. She stated that Israel should have taken precautions to minimize risks to civilians during the strikes on oil refineries in Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera