In the last 24 hours, at least 28 healthcare workers have been killed in Lebanon as Israel’s military operations continue, according to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. During an online press briefing on Thursday, he emphasized the urgent need for stronger protections for medical personnel, noting that many health workers have abandoned their posts, fleeing areas under heavy bombardment.
The ongoing violence has severely compromised trauma care and the delivery of essential health services, said Tedros. Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, WHO’s representative in Lebanon, confirmed that all healthcare workers killed in the past day were on duty, actively assisting the injured. Since the Israeli strikes began a year ago, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports nearly 2,000 deaths, including 127 children, and 9,384 injured. Among the casualties are 73 healthcare workers.
Hospitals in the affected regions have already been evacuated, but Abubakar cautioned that while mass casualty management remains functional, the system is rapidly approaching its limits. The WHO had planned a large shipment of trauma and medical supplies for Friday, but flight restrictions will prevent the delivery. Rising tensions across the Middle East have triggered air travel disruptions, with flights being diverted, canceled, or delayed, exacerbating the crisis.
In response, the WHO is working with regional partners to explore alternative methods of getting the necessary supplies to Lebanon, including sea or road routes. Tedros reiterated the critical need for international support to ensure that healthcare systems in conflict zones continue functioning amid the escalating violence.
