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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed 13 attacks on health facilities in Iran since the outbreak of the ongoing US/Israel-Iran war, warning that the escalating violence is threatening healthcare delivery across the Middle East.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus disclosed this in a statement posted on his X account, where he raised concern about the public health consequences of the war.
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According to Mr Ghebreyesus, the violence has already killed more than 1,000 people, displaced over 100,000 others and affected at least 16 countries across the region.
He said WHO has verified 13 attacks on healthcare facilities in Iran and one in Lebanon, stressing that targeting health infrastructure violates international humanitarian law.
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“Attacks on health care violate humanitarian law,” Mr Ghebreyesus said, calling on all parties involved in the war to uphold international law and protect hospitals, health workers and patients.
The WHO chief warned that beyond the immediate casualties, the war poses serious risks to health systems across the region.
Threat to health systems
WHO said the ongoing hostilities are disrupting healthcare services in several countries, as insecurity spreads across the Middle East.
The organisation noted that the war is already affecting the delivery of medical care and humanitarian support.
As part of the disruptions, operations at WHO’s Logistics Hub for Global Health Emergencies in Dubai have been temporarily put on hold due to the deteriorating security situation.
The Dubai hub is one of WHO’s key global supply centres used to dispatch emergency medical supplies, medicines and laboratory materials to countries responding to health crises.
WHO said it is working closely with its country offices across affected countries to monitor how the war is affecting the delivery of health services and to provide assistance where necessary.
Earlier attacks on health workers
The latest update comes amid growing concern over the safety of health workers responding to casualties in the war.
Earlier this week, Mr Ghebreyesus condemned the killing of three paramedics and the injury of six others in southern Lebanon while they were attempting to rescue victims following explosions in the Tyre district.
The WHO chief described the incident as deeply troubling and warned that more health workers could become casualties if attacks continue.
He emphasised that paramedics, doctors and nurses must be allowed to carry out their life-saving duties, particularly during crises when health services are most needed.
Call for restraint
WHO has urged all parties involved in the war to exercise restraint and prioritise the protection of civilians and health services.
Mr Ghebreyesus said safeguarding healthcare systems must remain a priority even during armed conflict.
“I call on all parties to uphold international law, protect health facilities, health workers and patients,” he said.
The WHO chief also reiterated his call for peace, saying it remains the most effective way to protect lives and prevent further humanitarian suffering.
“Peace is the best medicine. Only the brave choose peace,” he added.
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