The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Lebanon, Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, described Wednesday as one of the deadliest days in the current escalation of violence, following multiple strikes that hit densely populated areas in Beirut and other locations within minutes. He reported that civilians were caught off guard during the attacks, which struck during working hours in the middle of the day, causing widespread panic and destruction across the capital.
Preliminary assessments indicate more than 200 people were killed and over 1,000 injured, including women, children, first responders, and healthcare workers. Many victims are still believed to be trapped under rubble. Dr. Abubakar described the scene as “horrific” and said he personally witnessed multiple strikes and collapsing buildings from his office in Beirut.
The violence has placed extreme pressure on Lebanon’s healthcare system, with hospitals across the country overwhelmed by the sudden influx of mass casualties. Emergency departments and trauma units are operating beyond capacity, while shortages of essential medical supplies have worsened the crisis. Hospitals have issued urgent appeals for support and activated mass casualty response protocols nationwide.
The situation is further aggravated by continued attacks on healthcare workers and facilities. Dozens of medical staff have been killed and more than 150 injured since the escalation began, severely reducing the capacity to provide emergency care. Dr. Abubakar warned that targeting healthcare workers disrupts ambulance services and emergency response systems, leaving vulnerable populations without timely access to treatment.
WHO, in coordination with Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, is providing medical supplies, technical assistance, and funding support, but resources are rapidly running out. Humanitarian access and logistics challenges are also limiting the ability to replenish essential stocks, even as demand continues to surge.
Amid the worsening crisis, WHO has called for urgent international support to sustain life-saving health services. Dr. Abubakar emphasized that without immediate funding and resources, the ability to continue critical medical operations and emergency response efforts could be severely compromised.
