The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the rising impact of ongoing hostilities in the Middle East on healthcare services and emergency responders.
In a statement, WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said the conflict, now in its fifth day, is placing increasing strain on health systems across the region and endangering frontline medical personnel.
He noted reports of casualties among emergency responders in Lebanon, including paramedics killed and others injured while attempting to assist victims of explosions in the southern Tyre district. Ghebreyesus warned that the continued violence raises the risk of further losses among health workers, calling for their protection at all times.
The WHO chief emphasised that hospitals, ambulances, patients and medical staff must be safeguarded under international humanitarian law. He urged all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise diplomatic solutions to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
Reports indicate that at least 787 people have been killed in Iran since the start of joint strikes, with attacks affecting more than 150 cities, highlighting the widening human toll of the war.
Officials from the region have warned that casualties could continue to rise if the conflict persists.
Ghebreyesus called for urgent efforts to de-escalate tensions, stressing that sustained access to healthcare is critical during times of crisis and that protecting medical services is essential to saving lives.
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