When it comes to at least 13 hospitals and health facilities hit during attacks on iran, who says, at least 13 hospitals and other health facilities in Iran have been struck amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli military operations, raising alarms about the safety of healthcare in conflict zones. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that it is investigating claims of four medics killed and 25 others injured in these attacks. The situation continues to worsen, as the death toll has risen to 1,230 in Iran, with over 100 fatalities in Lebanon and 13 in Israel since the conflict ignited. The violence has also claimed the lives of six U.S. military personnel.
The devastating impact of these assaults is underscored by the tragic loss of schoolchildren in a recent strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school located in Minab, southern Iran. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the critical need for humanitarian protections for healthcare facilities under international humanitarian law, stating, "Under international humanitarian law, healthcare must be protected and not attacked." Ghebreyesus highlighted that the WHO has verified 13 attacks on healthcare in Iran and one in Lebanon, although he refrained from attributing blame. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Understanding At Least 13 Hospitals And Health Facilities Hit During Attacks On Iran, WHO Says
The ongoing conflict has had severe repercussions for healthcare infrastructure in the region. Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO's regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, reported that four ambulances in Iran were affected and that surrounding hospitals sustained minor damage from nearby strikes. Additionally, evacuation orders have forced several hospitals and clinics in Lebanon to cease operations. Earlier, a hospital in Tehran was evacuated following explosions in the vicinity, further complicating the healthcare response.
In a letter to Ghebreyesus, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva claimed that military strikes had targeted 10 healthcare facilities, raising concerns about the far-reaching consequences of such actions. The WHO warns that the conflict is jeopardizing international humanitarian supply chains, complicating efforts to deliver much-needed medical supplies and aid to affected areas.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The humanitarian crisis is escalating, with significant disruptions reported at WHO's global emergency logistics hub in Dubai. Operations at this facility, which processed over 500 emergency orders for 75 countries last year, have been suspended due to security concerns, airspace restrictions, and access issues to the Strait of Hormuz. Balkhy noted that humanitarian health supply chains are now in jeopardy, with $18 million in health supplies currently inaccessible and $8 million worth of shipments unable to reach the hub.
Among the critical supplies delayed are $1.6 million worth of polio laboratory materials, which could have dire implications for Afghanistan and Pakistan, where polio remains endemic. The conflict is also affecting over 50 emergency supply requests from 25 countries and $6 million in medicines destined for the Gaza Strip. Humanitarian organizations have expressed grave concerns regarding the war's broader impact, particularly after Israel closed all crossings into Gaza amid its military campaign against Iran.
Displacement and Nuclear Concerns
The ongoing violence has led to significant displacement, with an estimated 100,000 individuals fleeing Tehran and around 60,000 displaced in Lebanon. These figures are expected to rise as evacuation orders spread to Beirut's southern suburbs. Ghebreyesus warned that the potential impact on nuclear facilities poses serious public health risks, heightening fears about future consequences.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community is being urged to prioritize the protection of healthcare facilities and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid. The current state of affairs not only affects the immediate region but also has implications for global health security.
This crisis calls for urgent attention and action to safeguard vulnerable populations and restore functionality to healthcare systems that are crucial in times of war. The need for dialogue and resolution in the region has never been more critical, as the repercussions of the conflict extend far beyond national borders.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.