Beirut:<Text>

The expanding conflict in the Middle East is increasingly affecting health services across the region, the head of the World Health Organization has warned, following a deadly incident involving paramedics in southern Lebanon. 'The expansion of the conflict in the Middle East is increasingly impacting health services throughout the region,' WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tedros expressed his sorrow over recent developments in Lebanon where three paramedics were killed and six others injured while attempting to recover people wounded in explosions in the southern district of Tyre. He highlighted the growing risks for medical personnel operating in these conflict areas.

Tedros emphasized that the risk of more health workers becoming casualties is high and stressed that this must be avoided at all costs. He urged that paramedics, doctors, and nurses must be allow ed to carry out their life-saving work, especially during crises. Furthermore, Tedros called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of medical staff, facilities, and patients.

He reiterated the necessity for warring parties to abide by international humanitarian law and safeguard health workers, facilities, and patients. In light of the escalating regional tensions, Tedros urged for restraint and appealed for voices of wisdom and peace to rise above the sound of bombings.

Tensions have intensified across the region since the US and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran on Saturday, resulting in nearly 800 deaths, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials. In retaliation, Iran has conducted drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries, which host US military assets.