Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Raise Concerns Over Health System Targeting

Since the resurgence of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, 2026, Lebanese health workers and human rights groups have raised alarms over the targeting of medical facilities and personnel. Dr. Mohammed Ziara, a Gaza-born burns specialist now working in Lebanon, likened the current situation to Israel's previous actions in Gaza, stating, "I cannot go back to Gaza now, but I can be here, in Lebanon."

The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 57 health professionals and over 160 attacks on emergency medical workers and ambulances. These assaults have forced the closure of six hospitals and 49 health clinics, severely straining Lebanon's already fragile health infrastructure. The Sidon Government Emergency Hospital, for instance, is overwhelmed by the influx of casualties, with director Mona Teryaki noting, "There's so much demand that we don't have enough nurses."

Israel asserts that Hezbollah operates from civilian areas, including medical sites, making them legitimate military targets under international law. However, Hezbollah denies these claims, and independent verification is lacking. Human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have expressed concern over Israel's open declarations of aggressive tactics, drawing parallels to the widespread destruction in Gaza. Ramzi Kaiss, the Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch, remarked, "There's a new kind of brazenness in declaring an intent to commit unlawful attacks."

Civilians caught in the crossfire report indiscriminate bombings without warning. Mohammad Qubaisi, a resident of Beirut, recounted how his neighborhood was struck without prior evacuation guidance, resulting in the loss of his 15-year-old son. He questioned the targeting, stating, "These are civilian buildings, not military targets. They hit us and we still don't know why."

The escalating conflict has led to the displacement of over a million Lebanese, with many fleeing to the north amid heavy bombardment. The health system, already crippled by economic collapse and electricity shortages, is struggling to cope with the surge in casualties. Dr. Ziara emphasized the dire situation, noting that front-line hospitals are lacking staff and supplies and are overwhelmed.