WHO Warns Iran War Has Killed Over 1,000; Displaced 100,000 and Damaged Hospitals Across 16 Countries

The World Health Organization on Thursday warned that the widening war between the United States, Israel and Iran is rapidly turning into a major humanitarian crisis across the Middle East, with more than 1,000 people killed, over 100,000 displaced and the conflict now affecting at least sixteen countries across the region and beyond.

Image Via: WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organization has already verified multiple attacks on health infrastructure as the war intensifies. According to WHO monitoring, at least thirteen strikes have hit healthcare facilities inside Iran, while one attack has been recorded in Lebanon amid the expanding Israel–Hezbollah fighting along the border.

“Escalating conflict across Iran and the Middle East has killed over 1,000 people, displaced over 100,000 more and affected 16 countries,” Tedros said in a statement, warning that damage to hospitals and medical systems is now emerging as one of the war’s most serious humanitarian consequences.

The WHO chief stressed that attacks on healthcare facilities, medical staff and patients violate international humanitarian law, calling on all parties involved in the conflict to immediately protect hospitals and emergency services operating in the war zone.

The organization also raised concerns about broader public health risks created by the war, including potential nuclear-related dangers if sensitive infrastructure were struck during military operations.

Operational disruptions are already affecting international humanitarian logistics. Tedros said activities at WHO’s major logistics hub for global health emergencies in Dubai have been temporarily suspended because of the deteriorating security environment and disruptions to regional transport routes.

Escalating conflict across Iran and the Middle East has killed over 1,000 people, displaced over 100,000 *more* and affected 16 countries.

WHO has verified 13 attacks on health care in Iran, and one in Lebanon. Attacks on health care violate humanitarian law. Nuclear risks pose… pic.twitter.com/Mrjmz3Z0tl

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 5, 2026

The Dubai hub normally serves as a key distribution centre for emergency medical supplies across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and its suspension underscores how the conflict is beginning to affect international aid operations.

WHO officials said they are coordinating with country offices across the region to track damage to health systems and to prepare support for medical services in affected countries where the war has disrupted hospitals, ambulance networks and emergency care infrastructure.

Tedros concluded with a direct appeal for restraint, urging all sides to respect international law and avoid actions that further endanger civilians.

“Peace is the best medicine,” he said. “Only the brave choose peace.”