The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced serious concerns regarding repeated attacks on healthcare infrastructure in Iran and Lebanon amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. During a press conference this Thursday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the organization has verified 13 attacks on health facilities in Iran and one in Lebanon.
Ghebreyesus emphasized that international humanitarian law mandates the protection of healthcare facilities, stating they should not be targeted in attacks. He added that the WHO is closely collaborating with its offices in affected countries to monitor the impact of these attacks on health services and provide support where needed.
The WHO is particularly concerned about the situation in Iran and across the Middle East, where 16 countries are currently affected by the conflict. Tensions in the region have escalated since the launch of large-scale attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February 2026. These attacks have resulted in nearly 800 deaths, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets.
According to the WHO, nearly 1,000 deaths have been reported in Iran, 50 in Lebanon, 13 in Israel, and 11 in other Gulf countries. The violence has also led to significant displacement, with approximately 100,000 people fleeing Iran and over 60,000 displaced in Lebanon. The WHO has also suspended operations at its logistics hub in Dubai due to transportation restrictions in the region. International humanitarian law provides special protection for medical personnel and facilities, which should not be targeted.
