Middle East: Attacks on Humanitarian Missions and Medical Facilities

April 7, 2026 Peace and Security

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that in Gaza on Monday, as a result of a serious incident, a contractor working under contract with WHO died. Two staff members of the organization were nearby but were not harmed.

After the incident, WHO suspended the medical evacuation of patients from Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt. The restriction remains in effect until further notice, the circumstances of the incident are being investigated. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and once again emphasized the necessity of protecting civilians and humanitarian workers.

“We are deeply grateful to our colleagues who, despite the risks, work day and night so that the residents of Gaza can receive essential medical assistance,” he said.

The UN calls for de-escalation

Answering journalists’ questions regarding recent statements by US President Donald Trump on social media, the Director of the UN Information Service in Geneva, Alessandro Vellucci, noted that the United Nations is concerned about threats to power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure.

The UN Secretary-General, according to Vellucchi, has strongly urged all parties to abide by their obligations under international law. Civilian infrastructure must not be subjected to attacks, even if specific objects are considered military targets.

The UN emphasized the necessity of an immediate cessation of conflict. The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Middle East Conflict, Jan Arno, went to the region on the eve to assist in de-escalation and the search for a political solution.

Large-scale population displacement

Meanwhile, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 1.1 million people were forced to leave their homes inside Lebanon. About 200,000 Syrians also left Lebanon and returned to Syria. Lebanese citizens are also arriving in Syria. The situation of the displaced remains extremely difficult due to economic and humanitarian problems in the country.

Some returning Syrians rely on support from relatives, but many require additional assistance. The UNHCR, in cooperation with local authorities, is expanding humanitarian operations.

As of yesterday, less than 100 million dollars have been received out of the requested 308 million dollars in aid for Lebanon. The UN emphasizes the necessity of additional funding.

Healthcare system under attack

The UN also expresses serious concern over the ongoingmilitary actions between Hezbollah and Israeli forcesand call on all parties to observe the norms of international humanitarian law.

According to WHO data, humanitarian access in southern Lebanon remains a serious problem.

The Ministry of Health of Lebanon reports at least 1,169 deaths, and within just one week, the number of casualties has increased by more than 50 percent.

Since March, 92 attacks on healthcare facilities have been confirmed. As a result, six hospitals and 51 primary healthcare centers were closed.

Large-scale population displacement creates a serious burden on life support systems and increases the risk of the spread of infectious diseases, including measles and hepatitis A.

The need for psychological support is also rapidly increasing: thousands of people are seeking help against the backdrop of stress and uncertainty. The VOZ continues to supply medical materials, assist the victims, and support epidemiological surveillance systems and services in the field of psychological health.