The attack targeted the densely populated area of Jannah, where 60 people were reported injured and the Rafik Hariri University Hospital was damaged. Three other buildings located in the area were also damaged.
The hospital is one of Beirut’s main healthcare centers, receiving large numbers of casualties during the ongoing violent conflict.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed outrage at the attack and reiterated his plea to protect civilians. “To protect civilians, fundamental principles of international humanitarian law must be respected.”
He said that all precautionary measures must be taken during military operations, so that civilian lives are saved and basic infrastructure is not damaged.
Hospitals, ambulances and medical personnel are clearly protected under international humanitarian law, as they play a critical role in saving civilian lives.
“When conducting military operations near hospitals, parties to violent conflict should review the potential impact on health care services, taking into account the principles of proportionality and precaution.”
Request for investigation
Volker Turk called for an immediate investigation into the airstrikes and reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire.
“The protection of civilians must be the highest priority.”
Meanwhile, the violent conflict has severely damaged critical infrastructure, including hospitals and water treatment services, leaving displaced populations vulnerable to the spread of deadly diseases.
Last week, health authorities confirmed the first case of cholera in northern Lebanon. A large number of people displaced by fighting in the south have sought refuge in northern Lebanon.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that there is a risk of skin diseases, including scabies, spreading, and that vulnerable groups sheltering in makeshift camps, including children and the elderly, are more vulnerable.
Humanitarian relief efforts
The number of displaced people has risen sharply since the fighting began in mid-September. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the number of displaced people reached eight lakh as of 16 October.
Many families have sought refuge in border areas, particularly in Syria and Iraq, which are themselves struggling with the crisis.
The United Nations and its humanitarian partners issued a surprise appeal for $426 million for Lebanon on October 1 to help reach 1 million people over the next three months.
Currently $64 million in aid has been raised.