Lebanon's health system is overwhelmed following a day of intense Israeli strikes. WHO Representative in Lebanon Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar described Wednesday as one of the deadliest single days in the current escalation of violence.
Multiple strikes hit densely populated areas, including Beirut, in minutes. The attacks resulted in over 200 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries, including women and children. First responders and healthcare workers were also among the casualties.
Hospitals nationwide have activated mass casualty protocols and are struggling with shortages of critical supplies. The devastation is compounded by ongoing attacks on healthcare, which have killed over 50 healthcare workers and wounded more than 150 in the last 40 days.
This loss of life and infrastructure severely limits access to care. WHO and its partners are working with Lebanon’s Ministry of Health to provide support, but available resources are rapidly depleting. An urgent appeal for international resources and funds has been issued to prevent life-saving operations from being halted.