79th World Health Assembly: UK Statement for Explanation of Vote
UK Statement for the Explanation of Vote on Lebanon. Delivered at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Thank you, Chair.
The UK voted in favour of this decision.
The conflict in Lebanon has had a devastating impact on civilians. We utterly condemn Hizballah and its attacks against Israel, including against civilian areas. These must cease.
And in Lebanon, Israeli military action has had unacceptable impacts on civilians and medical care. The conflict has led to the displacement of over 1 million people and the closure of several hospitals and health facilities. The WHO has reported over 150 verified attacks against healthcare, with over 100 healthcare workers killed.
We call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including in relation to the protection of medical and humanitarian personnel. Damage to healthcare facilities not only causes immediate losses of civilian life, but also deprives communities of critical, life-saving services and can exacerbate long-term humanitarian challenges.
We commend the efforts of the Lebanese government and the WHO in this challenging context. The UK has committed £30m in humanitarian support in response to the crisis. The UK also welcomes the further renewal of the ceasefire.
All parties must take every effort to comply with this agreement and must ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities.