72 medical workers, patients killed in Lebanon since Sept 17: WHO

More than 20 attacks have been carried out on health facilities in Lebanon since Sept 17, killing 72 people and injuring 43 others, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, Sputnik reported. 

“Since the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon on Sept 17, WHO has verified 23 attacks on healthcare centres in Lebanon that have led to 72 deaths and 43 injuries among health workers and patients,” the organisation said in a statement today.

The statement added that 100 of the 207 primary healthcare centres and dispensaries in conflict-affected areas are now closed. Supplies in Lebanese health facilities have depleted and health workers are exhausted, it noted.

Since Oct 1, Israel has been carrying out a ground operation against the Lebanese movement Hezbollah in southern Lebanon while continuing airstrikes. Despite losses, Hezbollah has been fighting Israeli troops on the ground and launching rockets across the border.

The death toll in Lebanon from Israeli strikes has exceeded 2,300 since the escalation, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Israel says its main objective is to create conditions for the return of 60,000 residents who fled shelling in the north of the country.

- Bernama      

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