War in the Middle East: Doctors of the World calls for the protection of civilians and strengthens its response to humanitarian needs

Since the start of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, and the Iranian retaliations in several Middle Eastern countries, thousands of civilians have already been affected. Doctors of the World stresses that protecting these civilians must be a priority and we are ready to respond to their health needs in the countries where we operate.

As the conflict spreads across the region, there are growing fears of devastating consequences for civilians, including people already suffering from years of conflict.

“Doctors of the World is present in several countries in the region: Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Iraq. All our colleagues are currently safe. In Gaza, we are doing our utmost to maintain essential activities, especially in clinics, but aid remains largely insufficient and hindered, while needs are enormous.

In Lebanon, the bombings have caused forced population displacement; some of our colleagues based in the south have had to flee their homes in search of safe shelter. Our teams are assessing needs and preparing to intervene jointly with the Lebanese Ministry of Health in the coming days.”

“We are closely monitoring the humanitarian situation of Iranian civilians and evaluating ways to assist them in neighbouring countries as well as in Iran,” explains Caroline Bedos Esteban, Head of the Middle East Division at Doctors of the World.

Doctors of the World calls for the protection of civilians and reminds that civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, is protected under international humanitarian law and must never be targeted. We also emphasise that humanitarian aid must never be conditional or politicised: the needs of people must come first.