WHO Highlights Middle East Escalation of Conflict 

By Staff Reporter

THE World Health Organisation has announced the current situation in the Middle East with the following key highlights.

• National authorities report 1255 deaths and more than 15 100 injuries in Iran, and 634 deaths and more than 1586 injuries in Lebanon.

• Current estimates indicate more than 100 000 people have relocated to other areas in Iran and over 800 000 displaced in Lebanon, with many sheltering in crowded collective shelters under deteriorating public health conditions.

• WHO has verified 18 attacks on health care in Iran resulting in 8 deaths, and 25 attacks in Lebanon resulting in 16 deaths and 29 injuries, further disrupting health services.

• In Lebanon, 48 primary health care centres and 5 hospitals have closed following evacuation orders, while in Iraq road closures are aecting ambulance movement and medicine deliveries. Crossings into the Gaza Strip remain largely closed, and in the West Bank movement restrictions and checkpoints are delaying ambulance transport and patient referrals.

• In Syria, increased cross-border arrivals from Lebanon are raising demand for health services at border areas, while in Iraq, the evolving security situation and movement restrictions are placing pressure on hospitals and disease surveillance activities.

• Across GCC countries, health systems remain operational and focused on preparedness, with national authorities activating emergency plans, strengthening monitoring for environmental and radiological risks.

• Strikes on oil storage facilities and refineries in Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are raising concerns about air pollution and wider regional environmental exposure, in addition to the immediate health impacts of the conflict.

Read the full situation report: ME Sitrep 1 – 11Mar26

Ends..

SOURCE : WHO