Beirut: The Israeli airstrikes on several towns in the South and Beqaa regions of Lebanon have led to numerous fatalities and injuries, as confirmed by Lebanese Health Minister Dr. Rakan Nassereddine. He expressed serious concern over the ongoing escalation in the number of casualties.

According to Qatar News Agency, during a press conference, Dr. Nassereddine reported that there have been 394 fatalities, including 83 children, and 1,130 injuries since the onset of the Israeli offensive against Lebanon last Monday. He emphasized that emergency teams are tirelessly working despite considerable risks and challenging conditions to rescue the injured and provide necessary medical assistance.

Dr. Nassereddine noted that direct attacks on medical personnel resulted in the deaths of three individuals at the regional center, three fatalities in Kfartabnit due to an ambulance being targeted, and three paramedics in Nabi Sheet were killed while performing their duties.

He further reported that six paramedics were injured in Sidqin, two in Jibshit, and four in Kherbet Selm during rescue operations. The total casualties in the health sector currently stand at nine fatalities and 16 injuries.

Dr. Nassereddine also highlighted that air raids have impacted health facilities, including the destruction of a health center in Hawik and partial damage to several other centers. Additionally, four hospitals, including Bahman Hospital, Jabal Amel Hospital, and Al-Najda Al-Shaabiya Hospital, suffered partial damage due to nearby shelling.

He explained that the Ministry of Health has been actively evacuating patients and the injured from endangered hospitals, relocating them to safer facilities in other parts of Lebanon.