Iranian authorities have announced that a number of hospitals have been temporarily put out of service and thousands of civilians have been affected by the ongoing war with the US and Israeli regimes. This statement comes as Tehran escalates attacks across the region, highlighting the severe humanitarian and infrastructural toll of the conflict, which has entered its 12th day with no signs of abatement.

Mojtaba Khaledi, a spokesman for the Iranian Red Crescent Society, told state television that nearly 20,000 civilian buildings, including at least 16,000 residential units, have been damaged after more than 11 days of hostilities. He reported that 77 healthcare facilities have been affected, though he did not specify how many were hospitals or whether any were directly struck. Khaledi added that 16 Red Crescent centres were impacted, with personnel relocated to continue rescue operations amid the deteriorating conditions.

Khaledi spoke in front of what the Red Crescent described as "an administrative building related to a bank" that was attacked in the capital last night, noting that nearby residential buildings had windows shattered or sustained additional damage. He also stated that 65 schools and educational facilities have been affected across the country since the war began, some seriously, though details were not elaborated. The most horrific incident so far occurred at the Minab elementary school in southern Iran, where 167 people, mostly students, were killed on the first day of the conflict.

Iranian armed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), signaled that they now consider banks and economic interests of the US and Israeli regimes across the region, as well as technology companies offering military applications, to be legitimate targets. As both sides emphasize readiness for prolonged warfare, the Iranian government has sought to assure the public of strong stockpiles of essential goods like foodstuffs and medicine, alongside contingency plans to import necessities, though these claims are met with skepticism given the escalating civilian casualties.

Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian told Al Jazeera that more than 12,000 people have been wounded, with most of the 1,250 confirmed deaths being civilians, including 200 children and 200 women. In contrast, the Israeli army claimed on Monday to have killed over 1,900 military personnel and commanders, without commenting on civilian casualties. Jafarian further reported that 11 healthcare workers were killed and 55 wounded, with 29 clinical facilities damaged, 10 inactive, and patients being evacuated from seven others.

Allahkaram Akhlaghi, head of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, announced that the Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital in the southwestern city—home to a key IRGC naval base—is out of service after shockwaves from US attacks damaged parts of the facility, with patients moved to a nearby hospital. According to a Health Ministry update, at least 18 ambulances and 21 medical emergency centres have been damaged nationwide, and at least 670 surgeries have been conducted to save the wounded.

Iranian authorities have demanded action from international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to prevent further harm to civilians. The conflict continues to intensify, with rising civilian tolls and infrastructure damage sparking concerns over regional stability and the effectiveness of international diplomatic efforts to mediate a ceasefire.

Source: www.aljazeera.com