Lebanon: Doctors of the World responds to the escalation of violence

Published 26th September 2024

The escalation of attacks in Lebanon over recent days threatens to plunge the country into a humanitarian crisis, worsening an already fragile situation. Doctors of the World is calling for an immediate de-escalation and is responding to the emergency to protect and assist those affected.

In the past few days, several Israeli strikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon have resulted in 569 deaths, including 94 women and 50 children, and 1,835 injuries. This situation exacerbates the humanitarian challenges Lebanon is already facing, particularly concerning healthcare, access to water, food security, and shelter.

Doctors of the World teams are witnessing significant population displacement as people flee the bombings in the south of the country. This poses a major risk to the health of those forced to interrupt their treatment. Furthermore, these displacements are also putting pressure on the healthcare system, as emergency facilities become overwhelmed.

“We are deeply concerned by the ongoing escalation in the region. We are seeing the same modus operandi as in Gaza: international humanitarian law is not being respected. Strikes are preceded by messages on social media, often vague and leaving too little time for people to seek safety. This situation is unacceptable and endangers thousands of civilian lives.” Jean-François Corty, President of Doctors of the World France

We remind all parties that international humanitarian law protects civilians in conflicts and must be upheld. The distinction between civilians and fighting forces is paramount, and all necessary precautions must be taken to ensure civilian safety. We call on all sides to protect people and healthcare facilities, including medical and humanitarian staff, who are vital in addressing the health needs of the injured and displaced.

In this context, Doctors of the World is mobilising our resources to meet urgent needs. Our teams are ready to provide medical care through mobile units, travelling to the hardest-hit areas and assisting displaced populations. Doctors of the World is also supporting the Lebanese healthcare system. We are working closely with the Ministry of Health to assess needs and provide essential medical supplies and medicines to cope with the influx of patients.

We are also strengthening our partnerships to ensure the continuity of essential healthcare services. The escalation of violence in Lebanon is directly linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and we stress that an immediate and lasting ceasefire is a matter of urgent necessity for both the Palestinians in Gaza and the Lebanese people today.

What has happened in Lebanon?

In recent days, Lebanon has witnessed an escalation of violence marked by intensified airstrikes in the south by the Israeli army and retaliatory fire from Hezbollah on 14 and 15 September.

On 17 and 18 September, two waves of attacks occurred, involving the detonation of portable devices, resulting in over 3,000 injuries and 37 deaths. A targeted attack in Dahye, in Beirut’s southern suburbs, killed 16 Hezbollah members and 35 civilians.

On 21 and 22 September, intense airstrikes hit around 100 sites, causing 492 deaths, including 35 children and 58 women, as well as 1,645 injuries.

A new strike targeted Dahye on 23 September.

Doctors of the World in Lebanon

Doctors of the World has been present in Lebanon since 1990. Our teams, consisting of around 100 people across the country, provide primary healthcare in 9 primary healthcare centres. We also run mental health and support programmes for both refugee and Lebanese populations. Collaboration with local partners ensures access to healthcare and medicines.