A thorough inspection of Sahel Hospital in southern Beirut, prompted by warnings from the Israeli army, found no evidence to support claims that Hezbollah was storing significant assets, including cash and gold, beneath the facility. Following Israel’s assertion that “hundreds of millions of dollars in paper currency and gold” were hidden underneath the hospital, hospital staff opened the premises for journalists to investigate, revealing only medical supplies and hospital equipment.
Despite the serious nature of the Israeli accusations, which included an animated graphic alleging the existence of a Hezbollah bunker below the hospital, no substantial evidence was provided by the Israeli military. A long-time nurse at the hospital, Halimah el-Annan, expressed disbelief at the claims, emphasizing the hospital’s civilian status and its lack of affiliation with Hezbollah or any political party. She voiced her fears regarding Israel’s potential actions, drawing comparisons to the destruction of hospitals in Gaza.
Following Israel’s warning, hospital staff quickly evacuated ten patients, concerned for their safety amid the threats of bombing. The evacuation was conducted with urgency, but Dr. Mariam Hassan, the emergency room director, noted the inherent danger in Lebanon, stating there are “no safe areas” anymore due to ongoing military actions.
In a separate incident, an Israeli strike in the Jnah area of Beirut killed 18 people, including four children, while wounding 60 more. Residents reported that the attack occurred at night when many were asleep, further underscoring the toll on civilians. The mayor of Ghobeiry criticized the attacks, emphasizing that they target non-combatants.
Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, condemned Israel’s evacuation orders as inadequate, arguing that the short notice provided to residents fails to meet international legal standards aimed at protecting civilians. Just minutes after issuing evacuation warnings, Israeli airstrikes struck residential buildings, raising concerns over the effectiveness of these warnings.
Hospital staff at Sahel Hospital remained resolute, emphasizing their commitment to patient care amid the chaos. Halimah el-Annan described the hospital as her “second home,” reiterating her belief that Hezbollah would not endanger patients by storing assets in a hospital.
As the conflict escalates, the toll on Lebanese civilians continues to mount, with at least 2,551 reported dead and more than 11,860 injured due to Israeli airstrikes since the beginning of hostilities on October 8, 2023.