Lebanon, (PIC)
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric expressed deep concern over the escalating Israeli attacks on the health system in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Dujarric pointed out that 36 incidents targeting health care facilities have been reported between 8 October 2023 and 4 October 2024.
“At least 96 primary health care centers, and three hospitals, have been forced to close due to the hostilities.”
He further noted that attacks have not only impacted facilities but also health personnel, with the World Health Organization putting the number of health workers on duty killed in the same period to 77.
“Our health partners are supporting the Lebanese health authorities and delivering additional trauma and emergency kits to hospitals. They are also providing medicines.”
Water infrastructure is also affected to date, with at least 25 water facilities damaged. That impacts 300,000 human beings, he said.
On the other hand, he pointed out that the ongoing hostilities and displacement orders continue to displace people, particularly from the south of the country and the capital’s southern suburbs.
“The International Organization for Migration has recorded more than 540,000 displaced people since October 8th.”
Meanwhile, the Lebanese authorities expressed fear of the Israeli intention of bombing Beirut airport, despite “international assurances” that it would not be targeted.
“Ongoing international calls have given us a sort of assurance” the airport will be spared Israeli strikes, Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh said, however, adding that “there is a big difference between assurances and guarantees.”
Lebanon “seeks to keep its public airport, seaports and land crossings — chief among them the Rafik Hariri International Airport — functional,” Hamieh told AFP.
Hamieh denied Israeli accusations that Hezbollah was using the airport and border crossings to smuggle weapons.
The Beirut airport “is subject to Lebanese laws and to the scrutiny of various relevant departments and security agencies”, he said.
“Any military aircraft or plane carrying weapons must be approved by the Lebanese army” and be licensed to do so by his ministry.
He said his ministry was “fully coordinating” with the army and relevant state agencies to keep land, air and seaports safe because “if these ports are closed, it means we’re under siege.”
