The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed deep concern on Friday over escalating Israeli attacks impacting healthcare workers and facilities in Lebanon amidst the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.

“We’re deeply concerned about the rising attacks on health workers and facilities in Lebanon. The numbers are really quite shocking,” said WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris at a media briefing in Geneva. Harris reported that, as a result of these attacks, 102 people have lost their lives, and 83 have been injured. Though WHO records incidents involving healthcare facilities, it does not assign blame for these attacks.

The WHO has verified 55 attacks on healthcare facilities in Lebanon. However, the Lebanese Ministry of Health claims the true figure is much higher, with numerous healthcare workers affected, even while off duty. “Health workers are already overworked and displaced, and we are continuing to lose them at a time when they are needed most,” Harris emphasized.

She reiterated WHO’s stance that “healthcare is not a target; health workers are not a target.” The situation has significantly strained Lebanon’s already fragile healthcare system, which has been grappling with economic difficulties and limited fuel supplies necessary to power hospital generators. Harris highlighted that accessing healthcare has become increasingly difficult, especially in areas where hospitals have been attacked.

Since the conflict intensified on September 23 — following nearly a year of sporadic clashes, with Hezbollah claiming its actions in support of Hamas — at least 1,829 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to the health ministry. Cross-border hostilities also led to seven fatalities in Israel on Thursday, including four Thai nationals. Israel’s military reported that 37 soldiers have died in Lebanon since ground operations commenced on September 30.