Nabatieh al-fawqa: Israeli airstrikes completely destroyed Ghandour Hospital in the southern Lebanese town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa on Sunday, as confirmed by the Health Ministry. The airstrikes have further exacerbated the challenges faced by Lebanon's health sector amidst ongoing Israeli attacks.
According to Anadolu Agency, a statement from the ministry highlighted that the destruction of the hospital represents another breach of the protections provided to medical facilities under international humanitarian law. The ministry noted that Ghandour Hospital had ceased operations approximately two months ago due to intensified Israeli attacks in Nabatieh and its surrounding regions.
The hospital had previously been instrumental in providing healthcare during earlier escalations, offering essential services to local residents and serving as a refuge for displaced individuals. The ministry reported that since March 2, Israeli strikes have damaged 17 hospitals across Lebanon, with three in southern Lebanon rendered non-operational.
The obliteration of Ghandour Hospital occurred shortly after a series of Israeli airstrikes throughout southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to 20 more, based on preliminary figures from the ministry. The strikes targeted various locations within the Nabatieh district, including areas such as Nabatieh al-Fawqa, the Al-Rahibat neighborhood of Nabatieh city, Arab Salim, and Kfar Remman.
Tensions have escalated in southern Lebanon following intensified Israeli attacks, which Israel claims are a response to the interception of a drone allegedly launched by Hezbollah. This development occurs despite a US-sponsored framework agreement, signed on June 26, which outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory in return for the deployment of the Lebanese army.
Since March 2, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of 4,358 individuals, injuries to 12,359 others, and the displacement of over 1 million people, as reported by Lebanese authorities. Israel continues to occupy sections of southern Lebanon, including long-held territories and areas occupied during the conflict spanning 2023-2024.