Tedros said the global health body had verified that the victims included doctors, paramedics, and nurses working at the facility. In a statement posted on X, he described the incident as a “tragic development” amid the rapidly intensifying crisis in the Middle East.

According to the WHO chief, the deaths followed another attack earlier in the day in the southern Lebanese village of Al Sowana, where two paramedics were killed when a health facility came under fire. The combined toll brought the number of health workers killed within 24 hours to 14.

The strikes come as Israel continues an extensive aerial campaign targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah across southern Lebanon.

The bombardment campaign, which Israel says aims to curb Hezbollah’s military capabilities, has already resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement.

Lebanese authorities and humanitarian agencies report that more than 770 people have been killed since the escalation began, while hundreds of thousands have fled their homes amid the growing violence.

Hezbollah has responded by launching hundreds of rockets toward northern Israel, triggering air defense responses and raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

International organizations have repeatedly warned that attacks on healthcare facilities and medical personnel violate international humanitarian law and further deepen the humanitarian crisis in conflict zones.

WHO has called for the protection of health workers and medical infrastructure, urging all parties to respect international law and ensure safe access to healthcare for civilians caught in the crossfire.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency, Al-Sharaa raised concerns during the conversation about recent shelling near the border town and alleged movements of Hezbollah fighters near Syrian army positions. Syrian authorities said artillery fire launched from Lebanese territory had landed close to Serghaya, a town located west of the Syrian capital.

During the discussion, Al-Sharaa expressed support for efforts by the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah, describing the move as an important step toward strengthening Lebanese sovereignty and reducing the risk of wider regional instability.

The Syrian president also emphasized the need for coordinated measures between Damascus and Beirut to safeguard civilians and prevent further escalation along the border region.

The conversation between the two leaders took place as tensions across the Middle East have intensified following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran that began on Feb. 28, according to regional reports. The escalation has contributed to population movements and security concerns across neighboring states.

Thousands of Syrians who had fled to Lebanon during the 13-year Syrian civil war have returned home in recent days as the conflict expanded across parts of the region.

Israel has carried out strikes across several locations in the Middle East as hostilities involving Iran and its allies intensified. Hezbollah, a close ally of Tehran that is designated as a terrorist organization by Britain and several other countries, has also launched attacks into Israel.

Israeli forces have responded with air strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and southern Beirut. Israeli troops have also moved into key areas south of the Litani River amid the ongoing confrontation.