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Hezbollah Launches 39 Attacks, WHO Warns of Hospital Strain in Lebanon

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for 39 military operations against Israeli targets within 24 hours. The World Health Organization reports that a major hospital in southern Lebanon is under severe strain after being damaged in nearby strikes. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus detailed widespread damage to healthcare infrastructure since the conflict began. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated forces are striking Hezbollah while engaging in rare talks with Lebanon aimed at long-term peace.

Key Points: Hezbollah-Israel Clashes Intensify; WHO Reports Hospital Damage

  • Hezbollah claims 39 military operations
  • WHO reports critical hospital damaged
  • Over 130 attacks on healthcare recorded
  • Netanyahu vows to eliminate Hezbollah stronghold
  • Rare Israel-Lebanon talks ongoing
3 min read

Hezbollah launches 39 military operations against Israeli targets in 24 hours

Hezbollah claims 39 operations against Israel. WHO chief Tedros reports severe damage to a key Lebanese hospital and over 130 attacks on healthcare.

"We are going to defeat Bint Jbeil; we are actually going to eliminate this large Hezbollah stronghold. - Benjamin Netanyahu"

Beirut, April 16

A Lebanese armed group has claimed that its fighters conducted 39 military operations over the past 24 hours, targeting Israeli settlements, troop concentrations, military vehicles, and engaging in close-range clashes along the southern border and northern Israel, Al Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Lebanon's Tebnine Government Hospital, one of the busiest trauma centres in the south, is under severe strain after being damaged in two separate nearby strikes on April 12 and 14, as reported by Al Jazeera.

According to Al Jazeera, the WHO chief said 11 health workers were injured in the incidents. He added that the hospital's emergency department, including critical equipment such as "ventilators, monitors, stretchers and trolleys", as well as the pharmacy and outpatient clinics, suffered significant damage. While services remain operational, Tedros said WHO was "supporting urgent emergency maintenance based on priority needs".

Highlighting the broader impact on healthcare infrastructure, he said that since the beginning of the conflict, the WHO has recorded "133 attacks on health care with 88 deaths and 206 injuries", as per Al Jazeera.

Tedros further noted that 15 hospitals and seven primary healthcare centres have been damaged, while five hospitals and 56 primary healthcare centres were forced to shut down, as per a report by Al Jazeera.

According to Al Jazeera, he reiterated his "call for the immediate protection of health care facilities, health workers, ambulances, and patients".

In a separate incident, at least four paramedics were killed, and six others were injured in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon's Mayfadoun, in what officials described as "triple-tap" attacks on ambulances, as per Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said Israeli forces are continuing targeted operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon while also engaging in negotiations aimed at long-term peace.

In a video message posted on X, Netanyahu said, "I support the residents of the north who continue to stand firm. At the same time, our forces continue to strike Hezbollah. Focused fighting in Bint Jbeil."

He described Bint Jbeil as a key Hezbollah stronghold and said, "We are going to defeat Bint Jbeil; we are actually going to eliminate this large Hezbollah stronghold."

He also said Israel is holding rare talks with Lebanon aimed at "dismantling Hezbollah" and achieving "sustainable peace--peace through strength."

The talks between Israel and Lebanon are ongoing, with the security cabinet expected to review ceasefire prospects. Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities have continued, with Israel and Hezbollah exchanging fire. Residents in southern Lebanon have also been advised to evacuate amid the escalating situation, CNN reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
39 operations in 24 hours shows how intense the situation is. While I understand Israel's security concerns, the humanitarian cost is devastating. The "triple-tap" attack on ambulances is particularly disturbing. Civilians and medical staff should never be targets. Hope the talks lead to a ceasefire soon.
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Vikram M
A very complex situation. Hezbollah's actions provoke retaliation, and it's always the common Lebanese people who suffer the most. The strain on Tebnine Hospital is a tragedy. India has always stood for peace and dialogue. I hope our diplomats are watching and can support any peaceful resolution. 🙏
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Rohit P
Netanyahu says "peace through strength" but what about peace through compassion? Eliminating a stronghold might bring short-term security, but what about the long-term hatred it sows? The cycle of violence needs to stop. The focus should be on protecting lives, not just territory.
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Priya S
The article mentions residents being advised to evacuate. My heart goes out to those families. Having to leave your home with no guarantee of return is a nightmare. This conflict feels so far away, but the human cost is universal. We need more coverage on the ground reality for civilians.
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Michael C
While the reporting from Al Jazeera is important, I wish there was more context on the initial provocations. The article focuses heavily on the aftermath of Israeli strikes. A more balanced view, detailing what led to these 39 operations, would help readers understand the full picture.

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