WHO implores Israel to withdraw hospital evacuation order in Beirut

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an urgent appeal to Israel to reverse an evacuation directive that affects a densely populated district in Beirut, warning of severe repercussions for essential healthcare provisions.

In a statement released via X on Thursday, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus indicated that the Israeli Defence Forces had issued the evacuation order for Beirut’s Jnah neighbourhood, which is home to two major referral hospitals: Rafik Hariri University Hospital and Al Zahraa Hospital.

Ghebreyesus stated that both institutions are currently operating at maximum capacity and are treating individuals injured in recent hostilities. He stressed that relocating patients from these hospitals would be exceedingly difficult due to the absence of suitable alternative facilities.

He further noted that the hospitals are already facing overwhelming demands, including the care of casualties from the April 8 strikes.

The WHO Director-General also pointed out that the designated evacuation zone includes crucial public health infrastructure and shelters housing thousands of civilians.

“This zone also encompasses the mophleb complex, and hosts five shelters accommodating more than 5,000 people,” he stated.

In response to this development, Ghebreyesus implored Israeli authorities to reconsider their decision.

“I urge Israel to reverse this order and ensure the protection of all health facilities, health workers, patients and civilians,” he demanded.

Evacuation and affected civilians

Mr Ghebreyesus highlighted that transferring patients from the affected hospitals would present significant logistical challenges given the lack of alternative medical sites.

“At this time, no alternative medical facilities are available to receive approximately 450 patients from the two hospitals (including 40 patients in the ICU), rendering their evacuation operationally unfeasible,” he explained.

He added that the hospitals are already strained, particularly in caring for those wounded in the April 8 attacks.

He also mentioned that the evacuation area includes vital public health facilities and shelters sheltering thousands of people.

“This zone also encompasses the mophleb complex, and hosts five shelters accommodating more than 5,000 people,” he added.

Consequently, the WHO Director-General called on Israel to re-evaluate the directive.

“I urge Israel to reverse this order and ensure the protection of all health facilities, health workers, patients and civilians,” he urged.

Escalating tensions in Lebanon

This evacuation order arrives amid escalating conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. These hostilities have intensified in recent months, mirroring broader regional tensions involving Iran.

The current surge in violence represents one of the most intense periods of conflict in Lebanon since the 2006 war, with cross-border exchanges expanding and civilian risks escalating.

In recent times, Israeli forces have conducted a series of coordinated aerial assaults targeting what they identified as Hezbollah sites, including locations in southern Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, and parts of Beirut.

These strikes have increasingly impacted urban centers, sparking serious concerns about civilian safety and the damage to essential infrastructure.

Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory, thereby heightening tensions and raising fears of further confrontations.

Reports indicate that the renewed hostilities have resulted in substantial casualties and displacement, forcing many residents to abandon their homes in affected areas.

Linked to broader regional tensions

The conflict in Lebanon is closely interwoven with wider Middle Eastern tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The regional crisis saw a significant escalation in February following direct confrontations between Iran and Israel, which contributed to a heightened security situation across several nations.

Despite diplomatic efforts, including a temporary cessation of hostilities between the United States and Iran, clashes have continued across various fronts.