With Israeli attacks continuing in Lebanon, a major government hospital in southern Lebanon has been damaged following two consecutive nearby strikes earlier this week, raising fresh concerns over the safety of healthcare facilities.
According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, the Tebnine Government Hospital—one of the busiest trauma centres in the region—sustained significant damage after strikes on April 12 and 14. However, the World Health Organization has not confirmed who carried out the strikes.
At least 11 hospital workers were injured in the incidents. The emergency department suffered substantial damage, including critical medical equipment such as ventilators, monitors, stretchers, and trolleys. The hospital’s pharmacy and outpatient clinics were also affected.
Despite the destruction, the WHO said it is supporting urgent repairs based on priority needs, while hospital services continue to operate under severe strain.
The organization has documented a troubling pattern of violence against healthcare facilities since the conflict began. A total of 133 attacks on healthcare have been recorded, resulting in 88 deaths and 206 injuries. Additionally, 15 hospitals and seven primary healthcare centres have been damaged, while five hospitals and 56 primary healthcare centres have been forced to shut down.
Humanitarian access to southern Lebanon remains heavily restricted, further complicating efforts to deliver medical assistance and limiting civilians’ access to essential care.
Ghebreyesus reiterated an urgent call for the protection of healthcare infrastructure, personnel, and patients, stressing the need for safe and uninterrupted humanitarian access to ensure life-saving services can continue without risk.