By Micah Jonah
March 15, 2026
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has condemned the killing of 14 health workers in southern Lebanon following strikes on medical facilities amid the escalating conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States.
In a statement posted on X, Ghebreyesus said the deaths occurred within 24 hours after attacks targeted health facilities in southern Lebanon.
According to the WHO, 12 doctors, nurses and paramedics were killed late Friday when the Bourj Qalaouiyeh Primary Healthcare Centre was struck. Two additional paramedics died earlier in attacks on another health facility in Al Sowana.
“The killings in the last 24 hours of 14 health workers in southern Lebanon mark a tragic development in the escalating Middle East crisis,” Ghebreyesus said.
Rising attacks on healthcare:
The WHO chief warned that the incidents highlight mounting pressure on Lebanon’s healthcare system as fighting intensifies across the region.
Since March 2, the WHO said it has verified 27 attacks on healthcare facilities in Lebanon, resulting in at least 30 deaths and 35 injuries, including the latest casualties among medical workers.
“These incidents highlight the ongoing assault on Lebanon’s healthcare system, which is crucial for the populations it serves,” Ghebreyesus said.
He stressed that health workers, patients and medical facilities must be protected under international humanitarian law.
“Medical personnel and facilities should never be attacked or militarized,” he added.
War disrupting medical aid:
The developments come as the WHO warns that the conflict is disrupting the delivery of critical medical supplies.
Airspace restrictions linked to the war have delayed more than 50 urgent supply shipments from the organisation’s logistics hub in Dubai. The shipments were intended to assist more than 1.5 million people across 25 countries.
Among the affected deliveries are medical supplies destined for Al Arish in Egypt to support humanitarian operations in Gaza Strip, as well as essential supplies for Lebanon and Afghanistan.
Growing humanitarian crisis:
Humanitarian agencies have also raised concerns about rising displacement linked to the conflict.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that at least 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran since joint strikes by Israel and the United States began on February 28.
Many displaced residents are reportedly fleeing the capital, Tehran, and other major cities for northern and rural areas in search of safety.
Calls for de-escalation:
Ghebreyesus urged all parties involved in the conflict to prioritise civilian protection and ensure healthcare services are not targeted.
The WHO has repeatedly called for respect for international humanitarian law, protection of civilians and medical personnel, and sustained humanitarian access to affected communities as efforts continue to prevent further escalation in the region.
