WHO Condemns Killing of 14 Health Workers in Attacks in Southern Lebanon
WHO Condemns Killing of 14 Health Workers in Attacks in Southern Lebanon
The World Health Organization has condemned attacks targeting health workers in southern Lebanon after 14 medical personnel were killed over the past 24 hours, calling for the protection of healthcare workers and medical facilities under all circumstances.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a press statement that the loss of life represents a “tragic development” amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East. He stressed the need for urgent measures to de-escalate tensions and safeguard the health of populations in the region.
According to the statement, 12 doctors, paramedics, and nurses were killed in an attack that struck the Burj Qalawayh Primary Health Care Center late the previous night. Two additional paramedics were killed in separate attacks targeting another health facility.
The WHO said that since the deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, 27 attacks on healthcare facilities have been documented, resulting in 30 deaths and 35 injuries.
The organization emphasized that targeting medical personnel and health facilities constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law, which requires the protection of healthcare workers and prohibits attacks on medical facilities or their use for military purposes.
