ISRAEL’S AIR ASSAULT ON LEBANON: IMPACT ON HEALTH INSTITUTIONS INTENSIFIES
Devastating Strikes on Beirut’s Southern Suburbs
The ground shook, windows shattered, and the cries of patients filled the air as an Israeli bomb struck Beirut’s southern suburbs, a near-nightly attack close to Lebanon’s biggest public hospital. Mohammad Fouani, an emergency room nurse at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, recalled the aftermath of the October 21 attack: “I was treating a patient when the bomb went off. I fell over him from the shock of it. The smoke was so thick; I could barely see my fellow colleagues.”
Livelihoods & Lives at Stake
Israel reported the strike hit a Hezbollah target, despite the area being under humanitarian concern. The attack, located just 70 meters away from the hospital, claimed 18 lives, including four children, while injured over 60, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
The Health Sector Under Siege
Lebanon’s healthcare sector has been in the eye of a severe storm. In the first month of Israel’s all-out air assault, the country experienced 34 damaged hospitals, 111 EMTs killed, and 107 ambulances hit. Dr. Firas Abiad, Lebanon’s health minister, expressed growing concern: “Health institutions are supposed to be sanctuaries. It’s clear this is a state policy that Israel is following, whether in Gaza or in Lebanon.”
UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Janine Hennis-Plasscheter, warned that attacks on first responders, including healthcare personnel and paramedics, have been alarming. “For those injured, the message is clear: if you’re injured, you’re going to die,” said Abiad.
Impact on Health Facilities
The rattling impact on healthcare facilities is felt deeply. Since September 23, Israeli strikes have killed eight inside hospitals and forced eight facilities to close. Hospitals and medical establishments are protected under international humanitarian law, but the country’s intense assault seems to disregard this principle.
Residents’ Real Lives, Alarming Reports
The October 21 incident highlighted the risks hospital staff and patients face. Speculations regarding the presence of Hezbollah facilities beneath Al Sahel General Hospital led to an evacuation days later. Israel has since published a 3D graphic showing what it claimed was a Hezbollah facility.
,residence of Dr. Thaer Ahmad, who volunteered in Gaza, fears for Lebanon: “All healthcare workers I’ve interacted with are pessimistic.” Dr. Ahmad believes the assault in Lebanon mimics the devastating impact on Gaza’s health system.
In another eerie echo, images released by the Israeli military of a Hamas command center under Gaza City’s al-Shifa hospital remain etched in Faroukei’s mind. When asked about this, he responds: “The rhetoric from the Israelis is the same, especially when they talk about infrastructure beneath healthcare.”
Analysis of Bombs Used
Weapons experts have analyzed these attacks and confirmed these strikes likely involved GBU-39s, with a radius of exposure for fragmentation of up to 365 meters. This means buildings within the vicinity of bombs are at risk.
Address the Dire Situation
Given the expanding conflict and attacks on healthcare professionals and hospitals, the future for Lebanon looks bleak. International pressure and scrutiny are crucial to ending this assault. Consider sharing this article, and further amplify the testimonies and experiences of those directly affected. Your awareness and action can contribute to the push for cessation of these attacks.
Share, And Stay Informed:
Stay updated on the latest developments and share this article to raise awareness about the severe implications on Lebanon’s healthcare sector.
