Entesaf Organization for Women and Children’s Rights Condemns the Destruction of Mais Al Jabal Government Hospital in Southern Lebanon: A Grave Violation of the Protection of Civilians and Medical Facilities

On Sep 19, 2026

Entesaf Organization for Women and Children’s Rights strongly condemns the burning and destruction of Mais Al Jabal Government Hospital in the town of Mais Al Jabal, Marjayoun District, southern Lebanon, as a result of Israeli occupation attacks. The organization considers the targeting and complete destruction of the medical facility, along with attacks on civilians, to constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and potentially a war crime requiring investigation and accountability.

The organization emphasizes that the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 provides protection for civilians during armed conflicts, while the First Geneva Convention establishes protections for medical facilities and units. Additional Protocol I of 1977 further affirms the protection of medical units and prohibits attacks against them unless they lose their protected status under the conditions established by international humanitarian law.

The organization warns that the destruction of the hospital deprives patients and the wounded of medical care, undermines the health sector’s ability to save lives, and compounds the humanitarian risks facing civilians, particularly women and children who require safe and accessible healthcare services.

Entesaf further emphasizes that the protection of civilians and medical facilities is not a privilege or an option, but a binding legal obligation that must be respected. Any intentional targeting of civilians or protected medical facilities, or any attack that fails to comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality, and necessary precautions, requires investigation and accountability under international humanitarian law.

Entesaf Organization holds the Israeli occupation responsible for the targeting of civilians and medical facilities and the serious violations resulting from such attacks. It calls on the international community, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to take urgent action, investigate these violations, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that perpetrators of violations against civilians and the healthcare sector do not enjoy impunity.

The organization also stresses the need to respect the legal protection afforded to healthcare facilities and medical personnel, ensure that patients and the wounded—particularly women and children—can safely access healthcare, and put an end to attacks against medical facilities.

Issued by Entesaf Organization for Women and Children’s Rights

Sana’a – September 19, 2026