Temporary US-Iran ceasefire does little to address health needs across Middle East: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday warned that a two-week ceasefire in Iran provides only limited relief and does little to address the worsening health crisis across the Middle East.

"The two-week ceasefire is a reprieve in Iran though not Lebanon; in itself, it will not address the challenges of health needs across the Middle East, and humanitarian access and operational space are critical challenges," the agency said in its latest situation report.

WHO highlighted that attacks on health care have surged across the region, undermining health systems and violating international humanitarian law, with the impact "particularly pronounced in Lebanon."

According to the report, 106 attacks on health care have been recorded in Lebanon, affecting hospitals, ambulances and health workers, in which 57 died and 158 injured, while access to care remains limited, especially for displaced populations.

It also noted that 23 reported attacks against health care killed nine in Iran and six attacks were verified in Israel with no casualties reported.

The agency also warned the conflict has damaged civilian infrastructure, "particularly energy and desalination facilities," noting four strikes on water desalination sites in Iran, Bahrain and Kuwait. It said many countries in the region depend on desalination for 70-100% of drinking water, with disruptions risking shortages, hospital shutdowns and disease outbreaks.

WHO added that delivery of humanitarian health supplies is constrained by airspace restrictions and rising transport costs, though "no significant shortages of medical supplies have been reported."

It warned that key health threats include trauma injuries, disrupted care, disease spread in shelters, environmental risks and worsening mental health conditions amid ongoing violence and displacement.