The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned on Tuesday that Lebanon’s healthcare system is struggling to cope as Israeli airstrikes and ground operations intensify in the country.
Tedros expressed concern over the rising death toll in Lebanon, noting that hospitals are overwhelmed by the influx of injured civilians.
He highlighted how consecutive crises have severely weakened Lebanon’s healthcare infrastructure, making it increasingly difficult to meet the growing medical needs.
Since last month, Israel shifted its military focus from Gaza—where it had launched a war in response to the October 7th attacks by Hamas—towards its northern border with Lebanon.
As a result, more than 1,000 people have died in Lebanon in the past week, following intense Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and its southern suburbs.
Tedros emphasized that the WHO is ramping up its response to the crisis and working closely with Lebanon’s Ministry of Health to ensure hospitals have sufficient medical supplies.
The organization is also providing training for healthcare workers to manage mass casualties while maintaining essential healthcare services for the most vulnerable populations.
Speaking after a meeting with Arab League ambassadors in Geneva, Tedros stressed the importance of protecting civilians, including refugees, and ensuring that healthcare workers and patients receive the care they need.
He reiterated that the most effective solution is peace, warning that any further escalation in the region would have catastrophic consequences.
