In brief
As Israeli military operations escalate in Lebanon, hospitals like St. Therese near Beirut struggle to remain operational, with many facilities closing or reducing services due to damage and safety concerns.
In the early hours of the morning, Elie Hachem, the director of St. Therese Hospital on the outskirts of Beirut, was confronted by an urgent call. With Israeli forces targeting Hezbollah sites nearby, the hospital faced imminent danger, requiring evacuation with limited time to spare. The ensuing airstrike caused significant structural damage, but fortunately, spared lives. The reality is grim for Lebanon's healthcare system, as echoed by the World Health Organization's confirmation that at least nine hospitals have either closed or are partially operational.Amid rising tensions and continuous airstrikes in areas like Dahiya, where Hezbollah's influence is strong, hospitals are struggling to address basic health needs amid fears of attacks. This underlines a broader crisis, as humanitarian operations become increasingly perilous, with the United Nations warning about the expanding scope of targeted attacks. As a result, the landscape of healthcare and relief efforts in Lebanon is becoming increasingly precarious, marked by compromised facilities and traumatized medical personnel.
