GENEVA, SWITZERLAND March 2, 2026– World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed grave alarm over reports that Gandhi Hospital in northern Tehran was damaged during Sunday’s bombardment of the Iranian capital.
In a statement posted on X late on March 1, Dr Tedros wrote:
“Reports of Tehran’s Gandhi Hospital being damaged during today’s bombardment of the Iranian capital are extremely worrying.
“@WHO is working to verify the incident. But it serves as a reminder that all efforts must be taken to prevent health facilities from being caught up in the ongoing conflict.
“Health facilities are protected under international humanitarian law.
“Health is #NotATarget”
The remarks come as part of the second day of intensified US- and Israeli-led airstrikes on Iran, launched after the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior officials in initial attacks.
Witnesses speaking to Reuters confirmed that strikes hit the Gandhi Street area in northern Tehran, leaving the hospital “badly damaged.” Videos verified by international media outlets show shattered windows, scattered debris, and scenes of chaos as medical staff hurriedly evacuated patients — including newborns in incubators — into the streets for safety.
Iranian state media and local health officials reported the incident as part of “Zionist-American air strikes,” with Iran’s Health Ministry spokesperson noting that at least three other hospitals across the country were also affected, forcing patient transfers.
Dr Tedros’ intervention underscores the WHO’s longstanding position that medical facilities and personnel must never become targets in armed conflict, in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.
The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and is seeking full verification of the extent of damage and any casualties at Gandhi Hospital.
Life News Agency will provide further updates as the verification process and the wider regional conflict develop.
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