Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a worrying increase in attacks on medical facilities and healthcare workers, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This trend has raised alarm about the safety and accessibility of healthcare in conflict zones.

According to Qatar News Agency, the WHO revealed that since the escalation of hostilities involving the US and Israel's airstrikes on Iran at the end of February, the average number of global attacks on healthcare facilities and workers has risen from 3.7 to 4.3 per day. The organization highlighted that 50 private hospitals and health centers have been shuttered since the conflict erupted, with an additional 16 hospitals sustaining significant damage.

"When healthcare is needed most, it is being attacked. These attacks are having a deep impact on functionality," said Altaf Musani, Director of Health Interventions at the WHO, during a press briefing. The impact has been particularly severe in Gaza, where the WHO reported that only one hospital remains fully operational.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom has consistently condemned these attacks, urging accountability for those responsible. He also drew attention to the dire situation in Lebanon, where 149 attacks on healthcare facilities have been documented, underscoring the widespread nature of this crisis across the region.