MSF Boosts Emergency Operations in Southern Lebanon amid Recovery Phase and Ongoing Attacks
According to the Ministry of Public Health, 83 people have been killed and at least 228 others have been injured by Israeli forces in Lebanon since the announced ceasefire on the 27th of November 2024.
“The scale of the destruction is massive. Towns have been reduced to rubble, with homes, schools, and farmlands wiped out,” says Zamparini. Over 90,000 structures—including homes, businesses, agricultural facilities, schools, and water infrastructure—have been damaged or destroyed by the bombardment across the country, according to UNDP. “MSF is committed to supporting the people during this recovery period and ensuring that they are not left without essential medical care as they start to rebuild their lives.”
Our mobile medical teams—now 15 across the country- provide primary healthcare services, medications for chronic illnesses, health education, mental health support, and post-operative nursing care.
From the announcement of the ceasefire in November 2024 till January 15, 2025, our teams in southern Lebanon have provided over 19,000 general medical consultations, conducted 3,427 health awareness and education sessions, and supported over 3,000 individuals with mental health services—and this vital work continues. Patients with complicated medical conditions are referred to the Public Emergency Turkish Hospital in Saida city, where MSF is working in partnership with Ministry of Public Health to deliver free, high-quality trauma, emergency, and surgical care to all the communities in Lebanon.
Beyond healthcare, MSF is also addressing immediate humanitarian needs across the country. In the heavily bombarded Bint Jbeil district, the organization is donating essential relief items. We have already delivered 7,000 blankets, 4,000 mattresses, 5,820 hygiene kits, as well as 2,015 floor mats and other necessities to support the war-affected communities as they rebuild their lives. Our teams are also actively coordinating with several affected hospitals in the area to offer support, such as donation of fuel and 19,270 medical items, and training medical staff to deal with emergencies.
“Serious efforts must be made to ensure safety for the civilian population, healthcare facilities and staff,” says Zamparini. “Any escalation of violence or breaches of the ceasefire would further jeopardise the health and wellbeing of thousands of families in southern Lebanon who have already lost so much.”