The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the deaths of 14 health workers in southern Lebanon within the last 24 hours, marking a grim escalation in the deepening Middle East conflict.
In a statement released on Saturday, WHO said 12 doctors, nurses and paramedics were killed in a strike late Friday on the Bourj Qalaouiyeh primary healthcare centre, while two paramedics died earlier in attacks on a health facility in Al Sowana.
The agency said the incidents underscore a continuing assault on Lebanon’s fragile healthcare system, which millions depend on for survival.
The global health body disclosed that since March 2 it has verified at least 27 attacks on healthcare facilities across Lebanon, leaving 30 people dead and 35 others injured. WHO condemned the killings and stressed that medical personnel and facilities must never be targeted, noting that international humanitarian law guarantees their protection during conflicts.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron, President of France, has urged Israel to halt its ongoing military operations in Lebanon to prevent further escalation.
Macron said he recently met with Lebanese leaders, including President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, stressing that “everything must be done to prevent Lebanon from sinking into chaos.”
Calling for restraint from all parties, Macron said the militant group Hezbollah must stop what he described as reckless escalation, while Israel should abandon any large-scale offensive and end the massive strikes that have forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
He noted that the Lebanese government has indicated readiness for direct talks with Israel and said France is willing to facilitate negotiations aimed at a ceasefire and long-term solution.
According to Macron, France is prepared to host the proposed peace talks in Paris as international concern mounts over a growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
