Middle East Conflict: Rising Health Crisis & Attacks on Healthcare | WHO Report

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is rapidly straining health systems across the region, with rising injury rates, widespread displacement, and increasing attacks on healthcare facilities, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. More than ten days into the latest surge in hostilities, the humanitarian consequences are mounting, exacerbating already fragile public health infrastructure.

Immediate Health Impacts: Rising Casualties and Overwhelmed Systems

National authorities report a grim toll: over 1,300 deaths and 9,000 injuries in Iran, and at least 570 deaths and over 1,400 injuries in Lebanon. Israel has reported 15 deaths and 2,142 injuries. These figures, while stark, likely represent an undercount given the ongoing nature of the conflict and challenges in data collection. The influx of casualties is overwhelming healthcare facilities, stretching resources thin and hindering the ability to provide adequate care.

Attacks on Healthcare: A Violation of International Law

Perhaps most concerning is the escalating number of attacks targeting healthcare infrastructure. WHO has verified 18 attacks on health facilities in Iran since February 28th, resulting in eight deaths among health workers. In Lebanon, 25 attacks have led to 16 deaths and 29 injuries. These deliberate attacks not only cause immediate loss of life but also cripple the ability of communities to access essential medical services when they are needed most. International humanitarian law unequivocally protects health workers, patients, and healthcare facilities during armed conflict. CNN’s reporting highlights the severity of the situation, noting the ongoing attacks and the resulting humanitarian crisis.

Displacement and Public Health Risks

Beyond the immediate casualties, the conflict is triggering mass displacement, creating significant public health risks. Over 100,000 people in Iran have been forced to relocate, while up to 700,000 have been internally displaced in Lebanon. Many of these displaced individuals are sheltering in crowded collective centers with limited access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. These conditions create a breeding ground for respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and other communicable illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations like women and children.

Environmental Hazards and Long-Term Health Consequences

The conflict is also generating environmental hazards with potential long-term health consequences. In Iran, fires at petroleum facilities and smoke from damaged infrastructure are exposing communities to toxic pollutants. These pollutants can cause breathing problems, eye and skin irritation, and contaminate water and food sources. The long-term health effects of such exposure remain to be fully understood, but could include increased rates of respiratory illness and cancer. Fox News reports on the use of cluster munitions, which pose a particularly insidious threat due to their wide area effect and the difficulty of clearing unexploded ordnance.

Access to Care Severely Constrained

Access to essential health services is becoming increasingly restricted across multiple countries. In Lebanon, 49 primary healthcare centers and five hospitals have been forced to close due to evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military, further reducing the availability of care. In the occupied Palestinian territory, increased movement restrictions and checkpoint closures are delaying access for ambulances and mobile clinics. Gaza continues to face critical shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and fuel, with hospitals rationing resources to prioritize emergency and trauma care.

Supply Chain Disruptions and the Global Impact

The conflict is also disrupting the delivery of vital medical supplies. Temporary airspace restrictions have created backlogs in the movement of emergency supplies from WHO’s global logistics hub in Dubai, affecting over 50 requests intended to benefit more than 1.5 million people across 25 countries. Priority shipments, including supplies for Gaza, Lebanon, and Afghanistan, are delayed. The disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global oil supply, is also contributing to economic instability and potentially impacting access to resources needed for healthcare. CBC News details the impact on the global oil supply and the International Energy Agency’s response.

A Region Already Under Strain

This escalation comes at a time when humanitarian needs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are already at an all-time high. An estimated 115 million people – almost half of all people in need globally – require humanitarian assistance, yet humanitarian health emergency appeals are only 70% funded. This pre-existing vulnerability significantly complicates the response to the current crisis.

What’s Next: Strengthening the Humanitarian Response

WHO is urgently calling on all parties to protect civilians and healthcare, ensure sustained humanitarian access, and de-escalate the conflict. Without these critical steps, the strain on vulnerable populations and already fragile health systems will continue to grow. The organization is working to mobilize additional resources, coordinate with partners, and provide technical support to national authorities. Ongoing monitoring of the epidemiological situation is crucial to detect and respond to potential outbreaks of infectious diseases. Further assessments are needed to determine the full extent of the damage to healthcare infrastructure and the long-term health consequences of the conflict. The situation requires a sustained and coordinated international response to mitigate the immediate and long-term health impacts.