Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the urgent need to re-establish health services in south and east Lebanon as approximately one million people are returning to these regions following a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

According to Anadolu Agency, WHO representative in Lebanon, Abdinasir Abubakar, addressed a press briefing in Geneva, highlighting the cease-fire as a critical opportunity to tackle pressing humanitarian needs. Abubakar stated that the healthcare challenge is substantial, and efforts must focus on restoring health services in areas affected by the conflict. He noted the significant movement of nearly one million people returning to their homes in the south and east.

The cease-fire, which began early Wednesday, concludes over 14 months of conflict between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. The conflict led to the deaths of more than 3,800 people in Lebanon and displaced over one million since it began in October 2023, as reported by Lebanese health author
ities.

In response to a question from Anadolu, Nabil Tabbal, WHO’s health information and risk assessment officer, disclosed that the organization has documented 160 attacks on healthcare facilities since the conflict’s onset. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 241 individuals and injuries to nearly 300. Tabbal also mentioned that around 10% of hospitals were impacted, rendering them either completely non-operational or only partially functional.

Michael Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Program, also welcomed the cease-fire but stressed the need to shift focus to the situation in Gaza. Ryan described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic, with the healthcare system under immense strain. He urged for urgent efforts to stop the fighting in Gaza and to secure peace similar to that achieved in the Lebanon-Israel conflict.

Since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Israeli actions have resulted in the deaths of more than 44,300 people, leaving Gaza in a state of ruin that could take years t
o rebuild. Efforts to establish a cease-fire in the region have not yet succeeded.