Since 17 September 2024, 23 health facilities have been damaged in attacks in Lebanon, according to WHO. Seventy-two people have been killed and 43 injured. These are medical staff and patients. Health facilities were affected in 15 cases and medical transport in 13.
The WHO report shows that the escalating conflict with Lebanon has led to the closure of 100 out of 207 primary health care centres operating in the south of the country. The reason is due to damage or "intense bombardment" in the vicinity. Five hospitals were completely evacuated and five others were only partially evacuated. Oncology patients are being diverted to other hospitals "overwhelmed due to increasing needs." Dialysis centres are struggling with shortages of equipment and staff, WHO says.
On 23 September, Israel announced the start of an offensive operation in Lebanon called "Northern Arrows". The aim is to eliminate Hezbollah threats to the safe return of 60,000 evacuated Israelis to border communities in northern Israel. | BGNES
