In a troubling turn of events, three hospitals in southern Lebanon were forced to close due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes, exacerbating an already fragile health sector in the region.
The Marjayoun governmental hospital and Salah Ghandour Hospital in Bint Jbeil were directly hit, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives and injuring 14 healthcare workers.
Dr. Mones Kalakish, director of Marjayoun Governmental Hospital, described the atmosphere of fear, stating, “The main hospital was targeted as paramedics were approaching.
We considered this a message, so we decided to close.” The closure has left wounded individuals unable to reach medical facilities for three days due to continuous bombardment.
Displaced medical staff struggle to provide care as violence intensifies across southern Lebanon.Additionally, Mays al-Jabal governmental hospital, located just 700 meters from the Israel-Lebanon border, announced it could no longer function due to a severe lack of medical supplies.
Dr. Halim Saad highlighted the dire situation, saying, “Medical supplies, diesel, electricity, none of it was available.” The hospital relied on Unifil for water, which has also become increasingly difficult to secure.
Since September 23, more than 50 healthcare workers have lost their lives amid Israel’s intensified aerial campaign, which has seen casualties rise significantly in recent days.
Lebanon’s health minister, Firas Abiad, noted that 97 paramedics have been killed since the conflict began last year.
As fighting continues, the displacement of medical personnel poses severe challenges to Lebanon’s healthcare system, particularly in the south, where bombings are frequent.
With over 2,000 lives lost and more than 9,535 injured since the onset of hostilities, the situation remains critical.