The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially confirmed that 13 separate attacks have targeted health infrastructure across Iran, highlighting the growing humanitarian concerns amid escalating regional hostilities. These incidents come amid what is described as a U.S.-Israeli campaign, raising serious alarms about the safety of medical personnel and facilities in conflict zones.
During a press briefing on Thursday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed that these verified attacks also include one incident in Lebanon, though he refrained from assigning direct responsibility or providing further operational details. His remarks underscored the vulnerability of healthcare services in areas affected by ongoing military actions, emphasizing the urgent need to protect medical sites and staff.
Adding further context, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, a senior WHO official present at the same briefing, reported that four ambulances in Iran were damaged during these assaults. She also noted that several hospitals and other healthcare facilities sustained minor damages due to nearby strikes, information that was corroborated by Iranian authorities. Notably, one hospital in Tehran, the capital city, had to be evacuated as a precautionary measure following these attacks, illustrating the immediate impact on critical health services and patient safety.
Earlier in the week, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations office in Geneva formally communicated concerns through a letter addressed to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, alleging that at least 10 healthcare facilities had been struck by military operations. This correspondence highlights the diplomatic dimension of the crisis and the increasing international scrutiny over the protection of medical infrastructure in conflict-affected regions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Balkhy also disclosed that the WHO’s logistics hub based in Dubai, which plays a crucial role in distributing medical supplies to numerous countries in the region, is currently out of operation. This disruption is attributed to transport restrictions imposed in the area, further complicating the delivery of essential health resources during a critical time. The suspension of this hub’s activities threatens to exacerbate shortages and delay humanitarian aid, impacting vulnerable populations reliant on timely medical assistance.
These developments come at a time when the protection of healthcare workers and facilities is increasingly recognized as a fundamental component of international humanitarian law. The WHO’s confirmation of these attacks serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by health systems operating in conflict zones and the urgent need for concerted international efforts to safeguard medical neutrality and ensure uninterrupted access to care.
