The World Health Organization (WHO) said that it has verified 13 attacks on health care facilities in Iran and one in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
Speaking at a press briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that under international humanitarian law, health care must be protected and never targeted. He said the organisation is coordinating closely with its country offices to monitor the impact on health services and provide assistance where required.
Tedros expressed deep concern over the situation in Iran and across the wider Middle East, noting that 16 countries have been affected by the conflict.
According to figures shared by the WHO chief, nearly 1,000 deaths have been reported in Iran, 50 in Lebanon, 13 in Israel and 11 in other Gulf countries.
The conflict has also led to significant displacement. An estimated 100,000 people have left Iran, more than 60,000 have been displaced in Lebanon, and at least one million people could be on the move following evacuation orders in southern areas.
Tedros further highlighted concerns about potential risks to nuclear facilities, warning that any compromise to nuclear safety could have serious public health consequences.
