14 health workers were killed in Lebanon, and the World Health Organization condemns and calls for calm

The World Health Organization confirmed that 12 doctors, paramedics, and nurses were killed in an attack that occurred last night on the Burj Qalawiya Primary Health Care Center. A few hours ago, two paramedics were killed in attacks on a health facility.

The organization’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, said that these incidents highlight the ongoing attack on Lebanon’s health care system, which is an essential pillar of the population.

Since the escalation of events in Lebanon on March 2, the World Health Organization has documented 27 attacks on health care facilities, resulting in 30 deaths and 35 injuries, including “the horrific events on Friday.”

The World Health Organization condemned this tragic loss of life and stressed the need to protect health sector workers at all times. In accordance with international humanitarian law, medical personnel and health facilities may never be attacked or militarized.

Dr. Tedros said that the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon and the Middle East region in general increases the possibility of such tragedies occurring. He stressed the need to take urgent action to calm the crisis and protect the health of people across the region.