Israeli strikes on Lebanon have left many people in urgent need of medical care, adding pressure to an already struggling healthcare system of the country.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been conducting intensive airstrikes on Lebanon in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah.
Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad reported on Thursday that a total of 1,974 people have been killed, including 127 children and 261 women, and 9,384 others wounded in Lebanon since the onset of the Hezbollah-Israeli conflict in October last year.
With NGOs and medical teams being targeted in the escalating conflict, the Lebanese government is urging the international community to advocate for a ceasefire.
Following a devastating airstrike on a medical center, residents quickly began to clean up. Paramedics and volunteers scrambled through the debris, hoping to find any signs of life.
The missile struck the third floor, which houses the hospital's rehabilitation center. Only a few scattered items remain amidst the rubble, including surgical gowns and gauze.
"I was at the center, coming down the stairs to grab supplies. As soon as we got the people out, the attack struck at 12:11. I went back up but left a few wounded behind; the rest became martyrs," said a witness.
NGOs and medical teams have been targeted amid Israeli strikes. Earlier on Sept. 28, another devastating strike leveled a medical center, killing 11 health workers and injuring 10 others.
The Lebanese Civil Defense also reported that one member was killed and another critically injured during Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sept. 27.
These incidents were not isolated. Since last October, attacks on medical facilities have become alarmingly frequent, forcing numerous centers out of service. According to the government, this has become a repeated tactic.
"We've seen almost more than 20 (between) hospitals and medical centers have been attacked. We've seen almost 130 vehicles that have been targeted. So, unfortunately, the same playbook that we saw in Gaza where hospital facilities, health facilities and health personnel were targeted (here) as well. Israel are repeating their same playbook in Lebanon as well," said Firas Abiad, Lebanese Minister of Public Health.
The situation is becoming increasingly unsustainable as hospitals struggle to keep up with the growing number of casualties. The relentless airstrikes and widespread destruction have left many medical facilities barely functioning, pushing the healthcare system to its limits.
However, the health minister warns that medical aid alone won't resolve the crisis.
"This sore situation cannot be solved with more medication or more medical supplies. The only way to be able to control, to be able not to move into a very bad humanitarian situation in Lebanon or even regionally, as we see this conflict starting to expand, is to have an immediate ceasefire," said Abiad.
Lebanon faces humanitarian crisis amid lack of medical supplies
Lebanon faces humanitarian crisis amid lack of medical supplies
Lebanon has received medical and relief aid from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday, with an additional aid plane carrying 55 tons of supplies arriving from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The first shipment was welcomed by Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad who emphasized the importance of this support.
"We are here at Rafic Hariri Airport in Beirut, receiving a shipment of medical supplies and medicines for the war-wounded, prepared by the WHO and the UNHCR, with the support from the UAE. An air bridge will be established from the UAE, with another plane coming today loaded with 55 tons of aid," said Firas Abiad, Lebanese Health Minister.
The delivery of aid was attended by representatives from both the WHO and UNHCR, who expressed their support for Lebanon and called on the international community to help with de-escalation efforts.
"I think the WHO and the UN system in general, we are committed to alleviating the pressure for Lebanon and the people of Lebanon as well as other people who are vulnerable, people who are living in the country into that. And we stand by with the government and also for the people of Lebanon to overcome this challenge," said Abdinasir Abubakar, WHO Representative in Lebanon.
"This is the time for the international community, first of all, to bring an end to conflict and hostilities. In the absence thereof, we all need to ramp up and show solidarity and bring in more resources. And all organizations, the government needs support and all humanitarian organizations need further financial support. So, we call on donors to respond to the flash appeal, the emergency appeal in a very expedient and comprehensive manner," said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Lebanon.
The National News Agency (NNA) reported on Friday that Italy granted 17 million euros (around 18.65 million U.S. dollars) to support the civilian population affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the news agency said Britain is boosting its humanitarian support for Lebanon with an additional 10 million pounds (about 13.12 million dollars).
Among those affected, children bore the brunt of the conflict, which has dramatically escalated between Israel and Hezbollah across Lebanon these days.
More than 690 children have reportedly been injured in Lebanon over the past six weeks. The most common injuries they suffered include concussions and traumatic brain injuries from the impact of blasts, shrapnel wounds, limb injuries, and hearing loss, according to a statement by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Meanwhile, it is estimated that more than 400,000 children have been displaced from their homes.
UNICEF urged the international community to mobilize humanitarian support and ensure that supply routes into Lebanon remain open, allowing for the rapid and safe delivery of life-saving aid to needy children. It also called for an urgent ceasefire and protection of children by all parties.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been conducting intensive airstrikes on Lebanon in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah.
Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad reported on Thursday that a total of 1,974 people have been killed, including 127 children and 261 women, and 9,384 others wounded in Lebanon since the onset of the Hezbollah-Israeli conflict in October last year.
Lebanon receives aid from WHO, UN refugee agency
