Hezbollah money storage claims under Sahel General Hospital refuted by staff during a recent Israeli military operation. An Associated Press team toured the hospital, revealing no evidence of cash or gold in tunnels underneath as alleged. Despite the evacuation of patients and staff due to prior bombings, the hospital remains non-affiliated politically or religiously, operating under Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Israeli military claims of half a billion dollars and gold hidden under the hospital were dismissed by staff as baseless and urged the international community to protect healthcare infrastructure amid conflict.
The hospital director and staff voiced concerns over potential targeting of healthcare facilities similar to past incidents in Gaza, calling for prevention of such actions. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari’s assertion of funds for Lebanon’s reconstruction from alleged hidden assets was debunked by hospital staff who reiterated their commitment to solely providing medical care.
The international community’s attention was drawn to the need for safeguarding healthcare institutions amidst conflict, emphasizing the critical role of hospitals in delivering essential services to communities.