WHO: One-Third of Lebanon's Health Facilities Closed; Israel Attacks Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the Gaza conflict has closed one-third of Lebanon's health facilities, while Israel's attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza has resulted in multiple casualties.

“The conflict in Lebanon has forced the closure of over 100 health facilities, accounting for about one-third of the country’s total. Hospitals and health workers are overwhelmed and are also facing attacks,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.

The WHO has called for several actions, including safe and sustained humanitarian access, funding for the UN Flash appeal, immediate protection of civilians and healthcare workers, and a ceasefire in accordance with international law.

Israeli military operations have reportedly included several attacks across Gaza in recent hours, such as a strike in Khan Younis that has killed at least 28 people and another on Kamal Adwan Hospital, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of “a number of children.”

“We’re a few hours away from the death of all these people…. instead of receiving aid we received tank shells,” Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, could be seen in a video being shared on social media.

According to the Wafa news agency, Israeli forces have ordered patients at Kamal Adwan Hospital to move to the main courtyard. The hospital director also informed Al Jazeera that windows in several patient rooms were shattered due to ongoing bombardments near the facility.

Earlier attacks involved Israeli tanks shelling the hospital, followed by a bombing of the “oxygen station,” which reportedly resulted in additional child casualties. No immediate death toll has been provided.

These strikes come in the wake of the Israeli military destroying over 10 residential buildings in the Jabalia refugee camp, leading to as many as 150 casualties. This incident has been characterized by Gaza’s civil defense as a “major massacre.”

Additionally, Israeli fighter jets have conducted at least 12 air raids on Beirut overnight, targeting areas including Haret Hreik, Burj al-Barajneh, Choueifat, and Hadath, which are located south of the Lebanese capital.