Médecins du Monde emphasizes that their protection must be the priority and stands ready to respond to their health needs in the countries where the organization is present.
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.
« Médecins du Monde is present in several countries in the region: Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. All our colleagues are safe today. In Gaza, we are doing our utmost to maintain our essential activities in clinics, among others, but aid remains largely insufficient and hindered while needs are enormous.
In Lebanon, the bombings have led to forced displacements 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 monitoring the humanitarian situation of Iranian civilians and assessing the possibilities of providing assistance in neighboring countries as well as in Iran,» explains Caroline Bedos Esteban, Middle East Division Manager for Médecins du Monde.
Médecins du Monde calls for the protection of civilians and reminds that civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, is protected by international humanitarian law and must never be targeted. We also reiterate that humanitarian aid must never be conditional or politicized: the needs of individuals must take precedence over any other consideration.