Spain condemns Israeli attack on healthcare facility in Lebanon that killed 12

The Diplomat The Spanish government condemned on Saturday, “in the strongest terms,” the Israeli attack on a healthcare facility in Bint Jbeil, in southern Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of twelve members of the medical and healthcare staff. “The Spanish government extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. “Attacks against hospitals, in this and other scenarios such as Gaza, are a flagrant and unacceptable violation of international humanitarian law, which must be investigated. Hospitals are never military targets,” it warned. “Spain reiterates its full commitment to protecting the essential work carried out by doctors and healthcare personnel, especially in conflict zones, where their work saves lives,” it continued. Spain has also condemned the continued Israeli attacks against the UN mission (UNIFIL), such as the one yesterday that set fire to the Nepalese contingent's barracks, and reiterated "its commitment to the implementation of Resolution 1701 and its unwavering support for UNIFIL's mandate." Israel has intensified its attacks against southern Lebanon and the capital, Beirut, as part of its military operation against the Iranian-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Many of the Israeli retaliatory airstrikes have hit residential buildings, schools, and hospitals. The toll of the Israeli offensive in Lebanon is 773 dead, nearly 2,000 wounded, and 800,000 displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Hezbollah, for its part, has launched an offensive against Israel in retaliation for the joint Israeli-American attack on Iran and the war in Gaza. Albares expresses his support for Lebanon, “victim of a foreign war” This Sunday, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares denounced on social media that “the dramatic situation in Lebanon is unacceptable.” “The Lebanese people are victims of a foreign war. Israel must cease its bombings and Hezbollah its missile launches,” he warned. “This war has already displaced almost a million people. The disproportionate evacuation orders, which we reject, are increasing their numbers. Their protection is a priority. That is why Spain is reinforcing its humanitarian aid to Lebanon, providing food, medical supplies, and shelter,” he continued. “The Lebanese government has our support. It is doing everything possible to guarantee the safety of the population. Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are vital. The Lebanese Armed Forces must be able to ensure the state’s monopoly on the use of force,” he added. “The continuation of the war does not bring security, only more violence and suffering. For a future of security and stability in Lebanon and the region, Spain continues to work for dialogue and negotiation,” he concluded. 8,400 evacuated Furthermore, sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported this Saturday that the number of Spaniards who have left the countries affected by the war has risen to 8,400. “This is the largest evacuation in history carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” they stated. Nearly 500 people left the United Arab Emirates (four commercial flights) and Qatar (one commercial flight) this Saturday. Ten Spaniards left Kuwait by road between Friday and Saturday (the airport in that country is closed indefinitely) for Saudi Arabia, from where they are expected to be able to fly to Spain.

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