Lebanon's Health System Overwhelmed by Deadly Israeli Strikes

Lebanon is grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis as its health system struggles to cope with the aftermath of recent Israeli airstrikes. On Wednesday, one of the deadliest days in the current escalation of violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants, multiple strikes targeted densely populated civilian areas, including the capital, Beirut. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Lebanon, Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, over 300 people were killed and more than 1,150 injured in just minutes during the attacks UN News. The strikes, which occurred in the middle of a working day, caused widespread panic as civilians had no prior warning UN News.

Dr. Abubakar, speaking from Beirut, described the scenes as “horrific” and “alarming,” witnessing multiple explosions and collapsing buildings from his office window. The interim assessment reported over 200 deaths and 1,000 injuries, with women, children, healthcare workers, and first responders among the casualties. Many victims remain trapped under rubble, with unidentified bodies and body parts still being recovered, further compounding the scale of the tragedy UN News. Additionally, numerous individuals are believed to be missing, likely still buried beneath debris UN News.

Hospitals across Lebanon are overwhelmed, with emergency departments and trauma services pushed to their limits. Mass casualty protocols have been activated nationwide, but critical shortages of medical supplies are exacerbating the crisis. Dr. Abubakar noted that even before this latest wave of violence, the country’s medical stockpiles were insufficient to last a month. The situation worsened dramatically in the last 24 hours, with most available stocks depleted UN News. Hospitals have issued urgent calls for assistance to address these gaps UN News.

The health system faces additional threats from ongoing attacks on healthcare infrastructure. Since the escalation began on March 2, over 50 healthcare workers have been killed and more than 150 injured, many of whom were already displaced by the conflict. These attacks not only claim lives but also severely limit access to care for vulnerable communities. “When you kill healthcare workers and first responders... the end point is that you don’t have first responders and ambulances,” warned Dr. Abubakar UN News.

Further complicating the situation, WHO reported receiving warnings from Israel on Friday morning that ambulances could be targeted, citing alleged misuse by Hezbollah. The UN health agency emphasized that healthcare facilities, workers, and ambulances are protected under international humanitarian law and should not be militarized or attacked, regardless of alleged misuse UN News. Additionally, Israeli evacuation orders expanded to the Jneh area of Beirut, affecting two major hospitals—Rafik Hariri and Al Zahara—currently operating at full capacity with 450 patients, including 50 in intensive care. Evacuation was deemed impossible due to a lack of alternative facilities, though assurances were later received that these hospitals would not be targeted, the outcome of which remains uncertain UN News.

Amidst this crisis, WHO and its partners, in collaboration with Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, are providing medical supplies, technical assistance, and funding. However, resources are rapidly diminishing. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) also noted that families displaced by earlier hostilities in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon face renewed upheaval, with ceasefire signals proving inconsistent UN News. As fighting continues across the Middle East, with renewed exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah, humanitarian needs in Lebanon are deepening, marked by rising civilian casualties, mounting displacement, and growing strain on essential services UN News.

The situation remains dire, with no immediate resolution in sight. The international community’s response will be critical to addressing the overwhelming needs of Lebanon’s health system and its people amidst this escalating conflict.