In brief
Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, hospitals in Lebanon, notably around Beirut, are closing or struggling to operate due to airstrikes and heightened violence, severely affecting medical services.
Lebanon's medical infrastructure is under severe strain as the conflict with Israel intensifies. The United Nations has reported that attacks are widening, impacting health and relief operations. In Beirut, St. Therese Hospital, located near a Hezbollah stronghold, suffered severe damage from an airstrike. Elie Hachem, the hospital director, recounted the harrowing experience of having to evacuate in minutes with staff and patients, including infants in incubators. The airstrike left significant destruction, leading to the hospital's closure. As violence surges, nine hospitals across Lebanon have either shut down or operate only partially, according to the World Health Organization. This situation highlights the critical need for preserving medical services amid ongoing conflicts.
