WHO condemns attack on Lebanese paramedics

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has strongly denounced a deadly assault by Israel on the Lebanese Civil Defense center in Doures village, Baalbek district, which claimed the lives of at least 12 paramedics.

In a statement, the WHO chief expressed outrage over the incident, which left the facility severely damaged. “We deplore the attack on the Lebanese Civil Defense center in Doures village, Baalbek district, in which at least 12 paramedics were killed. The centre has been massively damaged.,” he said.

He highlighted a troubling trend of increased violence targeting healthcare facilities and personnel in conflict zones. “Attacks on health care are becoming the new normal in conflicts. This must stop — everywhere,” he urged.

The attack underscores the growing risks faced by medical and emergency personnel in conflict-affected regions, where providing life-saving care often comes at a perilous cost.

The WHO continues to call on all parties in conflicts to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of healthcare workers and facilities. The incident in Baalbek adds to an alarming global pattern of violence against those delivering critical health services in times of crisis.