Lebanon’s healthcare infrastructure is grappling with severe challenges as residents return to war-torn areas under a precarious ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over the country’s dire health needs, warning that the situation will worsen without swift intervention.
The conflict, which escalated in October 2023 after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, has displaced over 1.2 million people in Lebanon. Israeli strikes and ground operations have caused extensive damage to healthcare facilities and claimed thousands of lives. A temporary ceasefire, which began Wednesday, offers some respite, but its future remains uncertain after accusations of breaches by Hezbollah on Thursday.
Since the start of the conflict, WHO data shows 158 attacks on Lebanon’s healthcare system, killing 241 healthcare workers and patients and injuring nearly 300. The destruction has left nearly 10% of hospitals damaged, with many requiring months of repairs to reopen.
WHO officials are assessing damage to identify facilities that can resume operations quickly. Four hospitals in Beirut and nearby regions could potentially reopen within weeks if the ceasefire holds, according to WHO Acting Representative for Lebanon, Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar. For heavily damaged areas, mobile clinics are being prepared as a temporary solution.
“We have a master plan to help hospitals and primary healthcare centers restart services in conflict areas, but achieving full restoration will take time,” Dr. Abubakar said.
The WHO is also calling for a permanent ceasefire, including in Gaza, where 14 months of conflict have claimed over 44,000 Palestinian lives. The worsening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by blocked aid, fuel shortages, and approaching winter, highlights the urgent need for peace.
“The ultimate solution is not aid, but peace,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stressing the importance of stability to rebuild healthcare systems and ensure the well-being of affected populations.
