Beirut, Lebanon – The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that 51 medical personnel have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since March 2.
This reflects a dangerous escalation in the targeting of the health sector, coinciding with the ongoing military operations.
Escalating losses in the health sector
The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that the strikes attributed to Israel targeted several medical centers and ambulances.
This resulted in deaths and injuries among healthcare workers, in addition to significant damage to medical infrastructure.
The Ministry indicated that these losses directly impact the ability of hospitals to provide essential services to citizens.
Health authorities in Lebanon warned that the continued targeting of medical personnel
and facilities could exacerbate the humanitarian situation,
particularly in areas already suffering from a shortage of medical resources.
They also called for the urgent protection of healthcare workers,
in accordance with international laws that prohibit targeting them during armed conflicts.
Calls for investigation and accountability
In the same vein, the ministry called on the international community
and relevant organizations to launch independent investigations into these attacks.
It also urged action to hold those responsible accountable.
The ministry stressed the importance of respecting international humanitarian law,
which guarantees the protection of medical facilities and personnel.
It asserted that the continuation of these violations poses a serious threat to the country’s health system.
This announcement comes amid escalating military tensions in the region.
There are also concerns about the potential for the conflict to spread and its impact on the humanitarian and health situation in Lebanon.
