The ongoing escalation of conflict in the Middle East is placing significant strain on health systems across the region, according to the World Health Organization. More than ten days after the latest surge in violence, rising casualties, displacement, and continued attacks on healthcare facilities are worsening the humanitarian situation and increasing public health risks. Health services that are meant to save lives are facing growing pressure as the number of injured people and those requiring urgent medical care continues to rise.
National authorities report severe human losses across several countries. In Iran, more than 1,300 people have been killed and over 9,000 injured, while in Lebanon at least 570 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries have been recorded. In Israel, authorities have reported 15 deaths and more than 2,100 injuries. The growing number of casualties is putting immense pressure on hospitals and emergency health services already operating under challenging conditions.
At the same time, healthcare facilities and workers have come under direct attack. The World Health Organization has verified multiple incidents affecting health infrastructure, including 18 attacks on healthcare in Iran since late February, which resulted in the deaths of eight health workers. During the same period, 25 attacks were reported in Lebanon, causing 16 deaths and 29 injuries. These incidents not only cause immediate loss of life but also deprive communities of essential medical services when they are most needed, highlighting serious concerns about the protection of healthcare under international humanitarian law.
The conflict is also driving large-scale displacement and worsening living conditions, creating additional public health risks. More than 100,000 people in Iran have relocated to safer areas within the country, while up to 700,000 people in Lebanon have been internally displaced. Many displaced individuals are living in overcrowded shelters with limited access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, increasing the likelihood of respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, and other communicable illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Environmental hazards are adding another layer of concern. In Iran, fires and smoke from damaged petroleum infrastructure have exposed nearby communities to toxic pollutants that could lead to breathing problems, skin and eye irritation, and contamination of water and food sources. These environmental risks further complicate an already fragile public health situation.
Access to healthcare services has also become increasingly restricted in several areas. In Lebanon, dozens of primary healthcare centres and several hospitals have closed after evacuation orders, reducing the availability of essential medical services. In the West Bank, movement restrictions and checkpoint closures are delaying ambulances and mobile clinics from reaching patients. Meanwhile, in Gaza, medical evacuations have been suspended since late February, and hospitals continue to operate under severe shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and fuel, forcing authorities to prioritize critical services such as emergency care and maternal health.
Humanitarian operations have also been affected by logistical disruptions. Temporary airspace restrictions have delayed the transport of medical supplies from the WHO’s global logistics hub in Dubai, affecting more than 50 emergency supply requests intended to support over 1.5 million people in 25 countries. Planned shipments include supplies for the Gaza response through Al Arish in Egypt, as well as assistance for Lebanon and Afghanistan.
The current escalation is occurring at a time when humanitarian needs in the Eastern Mediterranean region were already among the highest globally. Around 115 million people in the region require humanitarian assistance, while health emergency appeals remain about 70 percent underfunded. The World Health Organization has urged all parties to protect civilians and healthcare services, ensure sustained humanitarian access, and pursue de-escalation so that affected communities can begin to recover and rebuild their health systems.
