Caretaker Minister of Health Firas Abiad launches the "Reaya" program on Sept. 10, 2024. (Credit: Abiad's press office)
BEIRUT — Lebanon's caretaker Minister of Health Firas Abiad said on Thursday that 1,974 people have been killed, including 127 children in Israeli attacks in the country since the beginning of the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah last October.
"The total toll of the Israeli aggression on Lebanon amounts to 1,974 martyrs, including 127 children and 261 women in the attacks, and 9,384 wounded. Over 97 medical and emergency personnel were also killed and dozens of medical centers were damaged," Abiad said according to local media outlets.
Since Sept. 23, Israel has been carrying out intensive airstrikes in Lebanon, mainly in Bekaa, southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Abiad also denied Israeli claims that there are weapons in hospitals and rejected Israeli accusations of Lebanese medical staff transporting weapons, after Israeli strikes killed dozens of rescuers.
Four members of the General Directorate of Civil Defense (official body) were killed, 18 members of the Amal-affiliated al-Rissala Scout Association, 68 members of the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Authority and seven members of the Lebanese Succour Association. He added that during the past three days, more than 40 paramedics and firefighters were killed.
In total, 97 paramedics, two nurses and 11 health workers were killed since the start of the war. In addition, 45 medical centers and 128 vehicles were damaged.
Abiad also addressed Israeli attacks on hospitals, which killed one person at the Mais al-Jabal Hospital and two others in Martyr Salah Ghandour Hospital in Bint Jbeil.
Finally, Abiad called the international community to "assume its responsibilities in the face of the Israeli aggression."
"We are in contact with the relevant organizations and it is our duty not to remain silent," he said.