Arabic version: تصاعد الضربات الإسرائيلية يدمر نظام الرعاية الصحية في لبنان

Israel’s attacks on Lebanon are putting a massive strain on the Lebanese healthcare system, according to reports from local authorities. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has stated that 53 medical workers have been killed, and 87 ambulances or medical centres have been destroyed, leading to the closure of five hospitals.

According to Al Jazeera, the situation has worsened since March 2, when Israel intensified its war on Lebanon following Hezbollah’s retaliation for earlier attacks. This escalation has resulted in mass evacuation orders affecting southern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs, displacing approximately 1.2 million people.

Healthcare professionals are expressing grave concerns over the attacks, which have included direct strikes on medical facilities and personnel. Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar from the World Health Organization noted that some health facilities have been specifically targeted, exacerbating the existing strain on Lebanon’s already fragile healthcare system.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in many patients requiring critical treatments being transferred further north, as hospitals in the south are forced to evacuate. The increase in displaced individuals has led to a surge in emergency room admissions, putting additional pressure on the remaining healthcare resources.

Experts warn that the pattern of attacks on healthcare workers and facilities is part of a broader strategy to make southern Lebanon uninhabitable. Human Rights Watch has documented these attacks, emphasizing the need for accountability and international support to protect Lebanon’s healthcare system, which is crucial for the well-being of its citizens.