Warning of Worsening Health Crisis, WHO Urges End to War in Middle East

JAKARTA - World Health Organization (WHO) officials on Thursday called for an immediate cessation of war in the Middle East, warning that the regional health crisis is "manifestly ongoing."

WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy said health systems across the region were under severe pressure and medical facilities must be treated as safe havens.

"The situation has been difficult for some time, but what we see today is only a real regional health crisis that is actually taking place in various parts of this region," he said, launching Anadolu (27/3).

Furthermore, Balkhy warned that the crisis goes beyond the number of casualties, mentioning the collapse of access to health care in various areas.

He also said officials were also preparing for potential risks involving nuclear sites and warned that an attack on a water desalination plant would be "catastrophic."

Balkhy noted that millions of people have been displaced in recent weeks, including about 3.2 million in Iran and more than one million in Lebanon.

He also said the long-term impact of the conflict could include increased maternal mortality, worsening mental health and many children losing family or education.

He also expressed concern about the risk of nuclear facilities being attacked, both intentionally and unintentionally, noting past incidents targeting such sites.

Recent battles have included Israeli airstrikes and ground incursions in southern Lebanon following cross-border attacks by Hezbollah, as well as a joint US-Israeli strike against Iran.

The Mullah's country responded with drone strikes and missiles targeting Israel and other countries in the region.