Lebanese wounded arrive in Iraq for critical care as Israeli widens attacks

In response to Israel's expanding its attacks on Lebanon, Iraq has begun receiving Lebanese citizens wounded by Israel's indiscriminate bombings.

On Monday, Israel widened its attack on Lebanon, killing over 500 deaths, including at least 90 women and 50 children, wounding thousands, and forcing the displacement of at least half a million people from Lebanon's southern region.

With all these incidents, Lebanese hospitals are struggling to manage. As a result, dozens of critically injured Lebanese arrived late Wednesday night in Karbala, southern Iraq, where they will receive special medical care, an Iraqi health official told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed's correspondent Mohammed Ali in Baghdad.

According to the official, over 200 wounded Lebanese are expected to arrive in Iraq on Thursday for urgent treatment.

The Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported that the wounded were flown into Baghdad International Airport with their families before being transferred to hospitals in Karbala. Lebanese embassy representatives were present at their arrival, though further details were not provided.

The New Arab contacted several Iraqi officials, including spokespersons of the Iraqi government and the health ministry, but they were unavailable for comment.

A senior Iraqi health official confirmed to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, the Arabic-language sister publication of The New Arab, that more Lebanese wounded will arrive via Iraqi Airways in the next days.

He explained that the transfers are being coordinated by the Iraqi government and Imam Hussain Holy Shrine in Karbala, which is overseeing the treatment in its affiliated hospitals. He added that among the incoming group of 200 civilians, many women and children require urgent surgical intervention due to the injuries sustained in Israeli attacks.

Currently, around 70 Lebanese wounded are receiving treatment in Karbala, alongside their families. Dr Ahmed Abdul Karim from Karbala's Health Department told the outlet that some of the wounded Lebanese who arrived Wednesday are undergoing emergency surgeries due to their critical condition. He highlighted that "the nature and extent of the injuries, especially among civilians, women, and children, underline the war crimes being committed by Israel in Lebanon and previously in occupied Palestine."

On Wednesday, Iraq's Ministry of Migration welcomed displaced Lebanese families affected by the Israeli bombardment. In a statement, the ministry, under the direction of Evan Faek Gabro, announced its readiness to assist these families and provide them with essential supplies and humanitarian aid.

The ministry's statement followed the Iraqi government's decision to grant free entry visas to Lebanese citizens and facilitate their entry into Iraq following the Israeli attacks. Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, on Monday, unveiled a comprehensive set of measures to support Lebanese citizens affected by the ongoing Israeli offensive.

These initiatives include a 30-day renewable visa extension for Lebanese nationals already residing in Iraq, a waiver of penalties for those who have overstayed their visas, and free entry visas for new Lebanese arrivals at Iraq's borders. The assistance package comes as Israel's military campaign continues to devastate Lebanon, particularly in its southern and eastern regions.