- WHO reported over 1,800 deaths and 12,500 injuries from the US-Israel military offensive in Iran
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that hospitals and clinics across the Middle East were on the verge of collapse
- The conflict displaced hundreds of thousands, and WHO documented multiple attacks on health facilities in Iran, Lebanon, and Israel
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning over the humanitarian toll of the ongoing military offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran, revealing that more than 1,800 people have been killed and over 12,500 injured in less than two weeks.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the immense strain on health systems across the Middle East, warning that hospitals and clinics are on the verge of collapse. In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, he said the situation “represents an unprecedented humanitarian emergency that demands urgent attention.”
The conflict escalated sharply on 28 February following a massive joint US-Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several top officials. The offensive has since displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, creating a mounting humanitarian crisis.
According to WHO reports, Iran has suffered more than 1,300 deaths and around 9,000 injuries, while Lebanon has recorded at least 570 deaths and approximately 1,400 injuries. Israel has seen 15 deaths and nearly 2,150 injuries. The displacement crisis is equally dire, with over 100,000 Iranians and up to 700,000 Lebanese forced to flee their homes, many now living in precarious conditions with limited access to clean water and sanitation, heightening fears of disease outbreaks among women and children.
Tedros also noted that healthcare infrastructure is increasingly being targeted in the conflict. Since the start of the offensive, the WHO has documented 25 attacks on health facilities in Lebanon, 18 in Iran, and two in Israel. “These attacks not only claim lives but also deprive communities of critical care when they need it most,” he said, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
The war began after the White House justified its strikes on major Iranian cities, including Tehran, citing missile and nuclear threats. In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched attacks targeting Israeli sites as well as US military bases in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Despite claims by Washington that the operation is precise, WHO officials report that the impact on civilian populations has been widespread, affecting the most vulnerable communities.
“The urgency for action is critical to prevent the collapse of already fragile health systems,” Tedros warned, calling for unimpeded humanitarian access and immediate de-escalation to avert further loss of life.