The WHO Representative in Lebanon, Dr Abdinasir Abubakar, spoke with PK Press Club of Beirut and declared that Wednesday marked “one of the deadliest days of the current escalation of violence” in the country.
In just a few minutes, multiple strikes hit densely populated areas, including the capital Beirut, in the middle of a workday.
“In just 10 minutes yesterday afternoon, explosions hit several locations, including densely populated civilian areas in the capital Beirut,” he said, describing Scenes of panic as civilians went about their daily lives without warning.
The attacks caused numerous civilian casualties. “The interim evaluation reports…more than 200 dead and more than 1,000 injured. Among them, women and children“, Dr Abubakar said, adding that first responders and health workers were also among the dead and injured, with many victims still trapped under the rubble.
Reflecting on the scale of the attack, he called it “horrible, very sad and alarming”, recounting how he witnessed several strikes from his office in Beirut. “In fact, I could see out my window 10 different strikes in front of me and buildings collapsing.”
Hospitals pushed to the brink
Hospitals across the country have been pushed to the brink.
Emergency and trauma departments are overwhelmed by the scale of injuries, while shortages of essential supplies are worsening the crisis. “Hospitals have actually made an urgent appeal” to fill the gaps, he said, emphasizing that mass casualty protocols were activated nationally.
Unidentified bodies
“Hospitals continue to receive reports of unidentified bodies and body parts that have been recovered,” Dr Abubakar said, highlighting the extent of the damage caused by the attack.
The pressure on the health system is further increased by continued attacks on health care. Since the start of the escalation, dozens of health professionals have been killed and many others injured.
“Many of these health workers have themselves been displaced because they have been affected by the conflict and numerous attacks on health care that have occurred over the past 40 days. killed more than 50 health workersand injured more than 150 health workers,” he added.
Limited access
Such attacks not only cost lives, but also limit access to care for those who need it. “When you kill health care workers and first responders…the bottom line is you don’t have first responders or ambulances“, warned Dr Abubakar, highlighting the wider impact on already vulnerable communities.
WHO and its partners are working closely with the Lebanese Ministry of Health to provide support, including medical supplies, technical assistance and financing. However, resources are running out quickly.
“We have already consumed most of the available inventory in the last 40 days, but even more so has happened in the last 24 hours,” he said.
Partners, with support from the OCHA-managed Lebanon Humanitarian Fund, are providing displaced people with mobility aids in shelters in northern Lebanon.
Call for international support
Efforts to replenish supplies are also hampered by logistical challenges, including limited transportation options into the country. “We really need to find different options for transporting supplies,” he added.
Despite the challenges, the health system continues to operate under immense strain. “We are doing our best to serve the people and save lives. But this humanitarian assistance will also depend on the available resources that humanitarian partners receive,” Dr Abubakar said.
Faced with a sharp increase in needs, the WHO has launched an urgent appeal for international support.
“We really need urgent resources and funds to continue helping those in need.he said, warning that without additional funding, vital operations could be at risk.
