Beirut: A letter published in The Lancet highlights the repeated attacks on healthcare workers, ambulances, and medical facilities in Lebanon, warning of serious disruption to the country's healthcare system and raising concerns under international humanitarian law.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the authors note that patterns of attacks seen during the 2024 conflict have re-emerged in 2026, indicating a continued and alarming targeting of the healthcare system. The impact goes beyond frontline workers, affecting the entire care chain, from emergency response and hospital treatment to referrals, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The report states that by 14 June 2026, there were 172 recorded attacks on emergency and ambulance services, resulting in 133 healthcare workers killed and 402 injured. In addition, 173 ambulances and emergency vehicles and 38 health facilities were damaged, reflecting both the human toll and the structural damage to the medical system.
The letter stresses that protecting healthcare during armed conflict is a legal and humanitarian obligation, calling for stronger documentation of violations, accountability, and urgent measures to safeguard medical personnel and infrastructure, in order to maintain continuity of care in Lebanon.