Anadolu Agency
The World Health Organization (WHO) chief on Thursday called on Israel to reverse an evacuation order affecting hospitals in Beirut, warning it endangers hundreds of patients and civilians.
In a post on US social media company X, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Israeli military had ordered the evacuation of the Jnah area, which includes Rafik Hariri University Hospital and Al Zahraa Hospital.
He said: "No alternative medical facilities are available to receive approximately 450 patients from the two hospitals (including 40 in the ICU), rendering their evacuation operationally unfeasible."
Both hospitals are operating at full capacity, including treating those injured in Israeli strikes on Wednesday, while the area also houses the Health Ministry complex and shelters hosting more than 5,000 people.
"I urge Israel to reverse this order and ensure the protection of all health facilities, health workers, patients and civilians," Tedros said.
Israel carried out one of its largest strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday since launching its military offensive against Hezbollah last month. The attacks killed at least 254 people and wounded 1,165, according to Lebanon’s Civil Defense.
The escalation has raised fears of a renewed Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, potentially extending to the Litani River.
In a post on US social media company X, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Israeli military had ordered the evacuation of the Jnah area, which includes Rafik Hariri University Hospital and Al Zahraa Hospital.
He said: "No alternative medical facilities are available to receive approximately 450 patients from the two hospitals (including 40 in the ICU), rendering their evacuation operationally unfeasible."
Both hospitals are operating at full capacity, including treating those injured in Israeli strikes on Wednesday, while the area also houses the Health Ministry complex and shelters hosting more than 5,000 people.
"I urge Israel to reverse this order and ensure the protection of all health facilities, health workers, patients and civilians," Tedros said.
Israel carried out one of its largest strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday since launching its military offensive against Hezbollah last month. The attacks killed at least 254 people and wounded 1,165, according to Lebanon’s Civil Defense.
The escalation has raised fears of a renewed Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, potentially extending to the Litani River.
