NNA – Caretaker Health Minister, Dr. Firas Abiad, on Friday reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to protecting civilians during his visit to Baalbek Governmental Hospital and Dar Al-Amal University Hospital, where he inspected patients and assessed readiness following recent Israeli attacks. 

"The Lebanese government's stance was clear when it called for a UN Security Council session and urged the international community to fulfill its duty in deterring the enemy from targeting civilians," Abiad stated, further emphasizing, "The best way to prevent more casualties is an immediate ceasefire in Gaza."

During his visit to Baalbek Governmental Hospital, the minister expressed condolences for the fallen and wished a speedy recovery for the wounded.

"We are here in the Baalbek-Hermel region to visit the victims of the recent assaults. I want to thank the hospital’s management, doctors, and staff for their tremendous efforts in caring for our people, demonstrating that our public hospitals can provide health care on par with private and university hospitals," Abiad said. He praised the hospital for its implementation of the Ministry of Health’s emergency plan to handle casualties from the Israeli attacks.

Moreover, Abiad noted the high morale of the wounded and their families during his visits. 

"To anyone who believes these attacks will break the will and determination of our people, I say your plan has failed," he declared.

The minister also underscored the Ministry of Health’s full commitment to the wellbeing of the wounded. 

"We are coordinating with the Lebanese Order of Physicians to send specialized teams to hospitals lacking certain services, or to transfer patients to hospitals equipped to provide the necessary care and rehabilitation," Abiad said. 

"Some injuries may require multiple surgeries and extended treatment, but we are determined to provide our people with the full services they need until, God willing, they can return to their normal lives,” the Health Minister concluded. 

==========R.H.