Lebanon denies Israeli claims of using hospitals and ambulances for military purposes
Lebanon's Health Minister denies Israeli allegations regarding the military use of hospitals and ambulances, affirming the legality and humanitarian focus of medical institutions.
Lebanon's Health Minister Rakan Nasser الدين has categorically denied Israeli claims that some hospitals and ambulances have been used for military purposes. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Nasser الدين emphasized that all medical institutions adhere to international law and the Geneva Conventions, stating that the Israeli targeting of these facilities is deliberate and unjustified, violating humanitarian norms. He stressed that such actions are particularly egregious as they put the lives of civilians at risk, including those of healthcare workers and patients.
In his remarks, the Minister highlighted the devastating impact of the Israeli aggression on the Lebanese healthcare system, with reports of 968 fatalities since the conflict escalated, including distressingly high numbers of children and women. Additionally, he noted that over 2,432 civilians have been injured, with significant casualties among children and women, reflecting the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon. The continued targeting of medical staff has also taken a toll, with more than 40 healthcare workers killed and around 96 others injured, as well as the bombing of 16 medical centers and the closure of five hospitals.
The Lebanese health sector is facing immense pressure, exacerbated by the displacement of nearly one million people due to the ongoing conflict. Minister Nasser الدين assured that the Health Ministry, in coordination with other government agencies, is working diligently to support displaced individuals and maintain the integrity of healthcare services in a time of crisis. This statement reinforces the broader narrative regarding the humanitarian situation in Lebanon amid escalating tensions and violence in the region, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address these grave issues.