Public Services International (PSI) is following with deep concern the escalating violence in Lebanon, which began on October 8. Since 24 September, the conflict, initially confined to Southern Lebanon, has spread to Beirut, its Southern suburbs, the Bekaa Valley, and other areas. Israel is considering a ground invasion. Despite ceasefire negotiations, Lebanon faces a worsening humanitarian crisis.

"We demand an urgent ceasefire, the protection and safety of all health care workers, public service workers and frontline staff and the facilitation of humanitarian aid," urges PSI General Secretary Daniel Bertossa.

As of October 22, 2024 the Lebanese Ministry of Health has confirmed that the death toll from the Israeli military offensive has risen to 2,483, with a staggering 11,628 individuals wounded since the conflict began escalating in October 2023. The continuous airstrikes and artillery bombardments have caused widespread destruction and significant loss of life in various regions across the country, further straining Lebanon's already fragile infrastructure. On October 21, at least 18 people were killed, including four children, and at least 60 wounded in an airstrike that caused damage across the street at the Rafik Hariri University Hospital, the capital’s main public medical facility.

Displacement Crisis

The Lebanese government reports that 1.2 million people have been displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Among the displaced are members of PSI affiliates. This has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, leaving many unable to secure basic needs and live safely. Socio-economic and legal challenges have hindered access to essential services, with some displaced families and individuals having lost their legal documents. Israeli evacuation warnings have impacted a quarter of Lebanon's territory.

Around 176,500 migrant workers are left stranded in the country, with their employers having fled, abandoning these workers without pay, shelter, or food. There were reports of numerous migrant workers sleeping on the streets, without access to necessities or humanitarian aid.

Over 400,000 people have fled across the border to Syria in the last two weeks, including among them Lebanese citizens, Syrian refugees and Palestinian refugees who were living in Lebanon.

Public Health Crisis

Healthcare centres and emergency workers have not been spared from the intensifying Israeli strikes. According to Lebanese authorities, as of 5 October, the escalating conflict has forced the closure of at least 5 hospitals and 96 primary health care centres and clinics. This has critically impacted the availability of essential medical services, including those for emergency care, chronic diseases, and maternal and child health​.

WHO has verified 23 attacks on health care in Lebanon that have led to 72 deaths and 43 injuries among health workers and patients.

WHO has verified 23 attacks on health care in Lebanon that have led to 72 deaths and 43 injuries among health workers and patients. Fifteen incidents impacted health facilities, while 13 impacted health transport. Hospitals in Lebanon are already under massive strain as they strive to sustain essential health services while dealing with an unprecedented influx of injured people. Understaffed and under-resourced, the health system has been struggling to maintain uninterrupted services to all those in need with supplies being depleted and health workers exhausted. (WHO)

The Lebanese Chemists Syndicate confirmed on Sunday (October 6) that the extent of the destruction and the penetration of buildings and land for dozens of meters confirms that Israel used bombs containing internationally banned depleted uranium, warning of the risk of contracting many diseases because of inhaling the dust of this bombing. This jeopardizes the lives of all people living in Beirut and the Southern district of Lebanon. 

Call to Action

PSI condemns the attacks on civilians, health care workers and UN staff that are happening in Lebanon and call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

We call on the international community to make serious efforts to support the Lebanese government’s negotiations for a sustainable ceasefire. 

We demand all parties to respect international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention, which guarantees the protection of civilians during times of war. 

We demand the protection and safety of all health care workers, public service workers and frontline staff.

We call for immediate humanitarian assistance for all those who have been displaced, based on equal treatment and regardless of whether they are Lebanese citizens, refugees, migrants and non-nationals, guaranteeing their access to food, shelter, medicines and other essential needs.