Lebanon braces for potential Israeli attacks, puts 150 hospitals on high alert

By Wassim Samih Seifeddine, Omer Erdem and Turgut Alp Boyraz

BEIRUT (AA) - Lebanese Health Minister Firas al-Abiad announced that Lebanon has placed 150 hospitals on high alert, preparing them for emergencies in response to potential large-scale Israeli attacks.

The preparations come in the wake of ongoing Israeli strikes since Oct. 8, 2023, which have already impacted Lebanon's healthcare sector.

In an interview with Anadolu, al-Abiad discussed the effects of Israel's ongoing assaults on the country's healthcare system and outlined the ministry’s efforts to prepare for a potential broader conflict.

- Immediate response and preparations

Al-Abiad emphasized that from the first day of the attacks, the Lebanese government did not want war. "The Lebanese people, from day one of the Israeli assault, expressed their desire for peace and called for an immediate cease-fire from Gaza to Lebanon," he said, expressing regret over Israel's continued expansion of attacks on Lebanese soil.

The Health Ministry, according to al-Abiad, immediately activated its health emergency center.

"We ensured that hospitals were equipped to handle a large influx of casualties, which included logistical support and training of healthcare personnel," he explained.

The minister highlighted that the training also covered how to treat patients injured by specific weapons, such as white phosphorus, which is considered illegal under international law.

Al-Abiad also mentioned that more than 100,000 Lebanese citizens have been evacuated from border regions to other parts of the country. Shelters have been established to accommodate them, with most of the preparations funded by the Lebanese state; however, international partners like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have also contributed.

- 150 hospitals prepared for emergencies

In anticipation of a possible extensive Israeli offensive, al-Abiad stated that the ministry's plan included reactivating some healthcare institutions that had been less operational since the 2006 "July War" between Israel and Hezbollah, including the Turkish Hospital, which was donated by Türkiye.

"In response to Israel's threats, we have prepared 150 hospitals for emergencies, focusing particularly on those in the most vulnerable regions. After witnessing the events in Gaza, we are committed to ensuring that all hospitals are adequately trained. Israel is an unpredictable enemy, and we must be prepared for attacks in any region," al-Abiad asserted.

Reflecting on the impact of nearly a year of armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on Lebanon’s healthcare system, al-Abiad provided alarming statistics.

"Israel has bombed more than 15 health centers in southern Lebanon. Four of these centers have been completely destroyed. Additionally, over 30 ambulances and fire trucks have been damaged. In these attacks, 27 healthcare workers have lost their lives, and 94 have been injured."

- Use of white phosphorus bombs: 250 Lebanese injured

Al-Abiad accused Israel of using white phosphorus bombs in violation of international law, leading to severe injuries. "Approximately 250 Lebanese have been injured by white phosphorus bombs used in Israeli attacks," he stated. The minister mentioned that specialized centers have been established in hospitals across Beirut, Sidon, and particularly at Nabatieh State Hospital in southern Lebanon to treat phosphorus burns.

He also noted that healthcare workers have received special training to effectively treat injuries caused by white phosphorus.

In a report published on Aug. 22, the Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that Israeli attacks since Oct. 8 have resulted in the deaths of 564 people, including 436 Hezbollah members, and left 1,848 people injured. Additionally, more than 110,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict.