230 Health Worker Deaths, 187 Attacks on Healthcare in Lebanon amid Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there have been 187 attacks on healthcare in Lebanon during the more than 13 months of cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah related to the Gaza conflict.

Since the conflict intensified in September, nearly 230 health workers have been killed in Lebanon, with a total of 226 deaths and 199 injuries recorded between October 7, 2023, and November 18, 2024.

WHO representative Abdinasir Abubakar noted that almost 70% of these casualties occurred since the escalation of the conflict. He highlighted that this pattern of violence against healthcare facilities and workers is an alarming violation of international humanitarian law.

Abubakar pointed out that the attacks on healthcare in Lebanon are among the most destructive seen in recent conflicts, with 47% of these incidents resulting in at least one fatality, the highest fatality rate of any ongoing conflict. This is significantly higher than the global average of 13.3% of attacks on healthcare resulting in fatalities, as seen in countries such as Ukraine, Sudan, and the occupied Palestinian territories.

The WHO also emphasized the devastating impact on Lebanon’s healthcare system, which was already under strain due to previous crises. The organization warned that 15 out of Lebanon’s 153 hospitals have either ceased operations or are functioning at reduced capacity.

A month ago, WHO said the “conflict in Lebanon has forced the closure of over 100 health facilities, accounting for about one-third of the country’s total.”

WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy, stated that the extensive attacks on healthcare are crippling Lebanon’s fragile health system at a time when it is most needed. The WHO stressed that the death of healthcare workers represents not only a loss of life but also a significant blow to Lebanon’s long-term healthcare capacity.