Since the beginning of the American and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and the Iranian reprisals in several Middle Eastern countries, thousands of civilians have already been affected. Doctors of the World emphasizes that their protection must be the priority and stands ready to respond to their health needs in the countries where the organisation operates.
The current regionalization of the conflict raises fears of disastrous consequences for the lives and health of many civilian populations, including those already severely impacted by years of conflict.
“Doctors of the World is present in several countries in the region: Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Iraq. All our colleagues are currently safe. In Gaza, we are doing everything possible to maintain our essential activities, particularly in clinics, but humanitarian aid remains largely insufficient and obstructed, while needs are enormous.
In Lebanon, the bombings have led to the forced displacement of populations, and some of our colleagues based in the south have had to flee their homes in search of safe shelter. Our teams are assessing needs and preparing to intervene jointly with the Lebanese Ministry of Health in the coming days.
We are closely monitoring the humanitarian situation of Iranian civilians and are assessing possibilities to support them in neighbouring countries, as well as in Iran,” explains Caroline Bedos Esteban, Head of the Middle East Desk at Doctors of the World.
Doctors of the World calls for the protection of civilians and reminds all parties that civilian infrastructure—including hospitals and schools—is protected under international humanitarian law and must never be targeted. We also reiterate that humanitarian aid must never be conditioned or politicized: the needs of affected populations must take precedence over all other considerations.