AGP Executive Report

Conflict & Health Care Under Fire: Human Rights Watch marks 10 years since UN Security Council Resolution 2286, saying attacks on hospitals and healthcare workers still continue, with 2,546 “attacks on health” reported across 33 countries in 2025. Lebanon Ceasefire Strain: Despite US President Trump saying Israel and Hezbollah agreed to dial back fighting, Israeli drones and strikes in southern Lebanon killed civilians including a dentist and his two children, and hit or damaged medical facilities such as Jabal Amel Hospital. Syrian Refugee Health & Food Access: UNHCR says 196,000 Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan since Dec 2024, while WFP suspended food assistance for 135,000 refugees in Jordan host communities due to funding gaps. Public Health Capacity in Syria: WHO-supported training in Aleppo brought more than 50 lab technicians up to date on diagnosing priority diseases like malaria and leishmaniasis. Disaster Risk to Health: Euphrates flooding in eastern Syria is disrupting drinking water and irrigation, threatening livelihoods and increasing pressure on local services.

Public Health Capacity: Syria boosts infectious-disease lab readiness as WHO trains 50+ technicians with support from Italy, improving diagnosis and faster malaria/leishmaniasis testing. Disaster & Nutrition Security: Euphrates flooding in Deir ez-Zor and Raqa is wiping out wheat and barley at peak season, threatening food supplies and farmers’ incomes. War’s Health Toll: Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and near Beirut have killed civilians, including a Syrian national and a medic, while displacement accelerates amid renewed threats. Ceasefire Uncertainty: Trump says Israel and Hezbollah agreed to dial back fighting, but missile launches and continued strikes underscore fragile conditions for civilians. Southern Syria Injury Care: In western rural Daraa, a shepherd was shot and treated after UN first aid and transfer to Nawa Hospital, with his condition reported stable. Regional Health Context: WHO-style outbreak preparedness and conflict-linked displacement remain tightly linked across the region this week.

Lebanon–Israel Ceasefire Tension: U.S. President Trump says Israel and Hezbollah agreed to dial back fighting and stop shooting, but moments later Israel detected missile launches and ordered strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, as rockets hit northern Israel. Southern Lebanon Health Impact: Reports from Lebanon’s public health and local sources describe deaths and injuries from ongoing airstrikes, with displacement orders expanding and hospitals under pressure. Syria Border Injury: A young man in western rural Daraa was wounded by Israeli gunfire; UN observers provided first aid before transfer to a local hospital. Jordan Trade & Pharma Link: Jordan’s Qudah reported Q1 2026 exports up to JD 2.129 billion, with growth tied to garments, crude potash, and pharmaceutical preparations—plus export gains to Syria. Humanitarian Health Funding: Human Appeal released its “Thrive with Dignity” impact report, highlighting health and nutrition support in underserved areas including Syria’s Al Imaan Hospital. Public Health in Conflict: Coverage also flags how conflict-driven displacement and repeated strikes keep disrupting care access across the region.

Lebanon War & Health Impacts: Israeli forces captured Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, deepening the offensive despite a nominal ceasefire, while Lebanon’s health system reports rising casualties and injuries, including strikes near hospitals and on civilian areas. Syrian Refugee Safety: A deadly Israeli airstrike in Adloun killed nine Syrian refugees from the same family, including six children, underscoring the risks for displaced families in Lebanon. Syria Health & Emergency Response: Euphrates flooding is pushing Syria’s government to prioritize eastern provinces; officials say ministers including health and emergencies teams are coordinating response as water levels rise. Missing Persons & Child Health Rights: Syria’s National Commission for the Missing says the children of forcibly disappeared physician Dr. Rania al-Abbasi were killed, while authorities point to a former regime officer, reopening demands for full accountability. Community Mental Health: A Homs program helping former detainees rebuild their lives highlights growing focus on mental health and rehabilitation after conflict. Public Health Supply: Russian firm Pharmasyntez plans medicine exports to Afghanistan, aiming to ease shortages in a fragile healthcare market. Local Injury Report: In southern Syria’s Quneitra, a civilian was wounded by Israeli gunfire; UNDOF provided first aid and transfer to hospital.

Lebanon–Syria Health Impact: Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed nine Syrian refugees from one family in Adloun, including six children, with Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirming the toll and bodies recovered from the rubble. Southern Syria Injury Report: In Quneitra countryside west of Daraa, a civilian shepherd was wounded after Israeli gunfire hit him in the al-Raqqad Valley area; UNDOF staff provided first aid before transfer to Nawa Hospital. Disaster Preparedness (Euphrates): Syria’s Ministry of Defense mobilized field measures in Deir ez-Zor as Euphrates water levels rose, raising readiness near the river, monitoring levels, securing roads and infrastructure, and preparing relief/evacuation if flooding threatens low-lying areas. Healthcare Access & Supply: Russian drugmaker Pharmasyntez says it will begin exporting medicines to Afghanistan this summer, aiming to ease shortages in a market facing limited domestic supply—while it already exports to Syria and other countries.

Southern Lebanon Health Toll: Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli strikes and drone attacks across the south killed at least 15 people and wounded others, with paramedics among the dead; the ministry also reports the conflict since March 2 has left 3,371 dead and 10,129 injured, as Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warns of a critical phase and calls for a stronger push toward a ceasefire. Healthcare Under Fire: Separate reports cite multiple attacks in Tyre district and beyond, including deaths of medical personnel and renewed accusations of violations of international humanitarian law. Syria Flood Response: Syria’s government says Euphrates flooding has knocked out dozens of water stations and submerged thousands of hectares in Deir ez-Zor, prompting emergency response teams, temporary shelters, and President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s field visits. Water Management: Syria’s Energy Ministry says it has started reducing Euphrates water releases after coordination with Turkey to prevent further rises in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. Health & Rights in Detention: India’s Gujarat High Court granted conditional bail to a Syrian man living with HIV+ after finding his ill-health “not in dispute,” while his case over deportation remains pending. Rebuilding Health Systems: A report on Syria’s reconstruction interest highlights the scale of damage to hospitals and services, underscoring the need to rebuild the health system alongside infrastructure.

Lebanon War & Health Impact: Israeli strikes and artillery shelling intensified across southern Lebanon, with Lebanon’s health authorities reporting multiple civilian deaths including women and children, and warning of further evacuation orders; the Health Ministry says attacks since March 2 have killed 3,355 people and wounded 10,095, including medical personnel. Child Safety in Conflict: UNICEF says children are being killed or injured at an average of 11 per day in Lebanon over the past week, urging constant protection of children and civilian infrastructure. Syria Flood Response: Syria’s President Ahmad Al Shara visited Euphrates flood zones after days of surging waters, with reports of child deaths, collapsed bridges, disrupted water stations, and emergency evacuations. Water & Public Health Risk: Syria’s Energy Ministry began reducing Euphrates water releases to lower flooding risk in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, including operational dam measures and evacuations to temporary shelters. Mental Health Under Prolonged War: Israel-linked reporting highlights rising PTSD, suicides, and social strain amid sustained regional conflict, with mental health demand increasing. Rebuilding & Health Systems: Syria’s reconstruction is drawing investor interest, but analysts warn that damaged infrastructure—including hospitals—plus sanctions and weak institutions keep risk high.

Lebanon Strike Toll: Lebanon’s health ministry says an Israeli strike on Choueifat south of Beirut killed a woman and two children and wounded 15 others, including children, despite claims of a “precise” strike. Child Casualties: UN/UNICEF says Israeli attacks in Lebanon have averaged 11 children killed or wounded every day over the past week, with 15 killed and 62 injured in seven days. Humanitarian Strain: As fighting continues, Israel issues mass evacuation orders across southern Lebanon, while displacement keeps swelling and healthcare facilities face repeated damage. Syria Flood Response: Syria’s President Al Shara visited Euphrates flood zones in Deir Ezzor after days of mayhem from surging waters; drinking water delivery and embankment work are underway as some water stations are out of action. Health in Conflict: Human Rights Watch marks 10 years since UN Security Council Resolution 2286 on protecting healthcare in war, warning attacks on hospitals and health workers are still happening at alarming rates. Local Aid in Sweida: Druze volunteers in northern Israel say they’re supporting communities in Syria’s Sweida with food, blankets, and medical supplies after the July 2025 violence.

Lebanon War on Health: Israeli strikes across southern, central and eastern Lebanon killed at least 28 people and injured 42, with reports of dozens of airstrikes and artillery hitting homes, roads and commercial areas; victims included children and families trying to flee, and a mosque near a Red Cross centre was reportedly damaged. Beirut Strike: Israel also hit Beirut’s southern suburbs for the first time in weeks, killing a woman and two children and wounding others, as the ceasefire continues to fray. Evacuation Pressure: Ahead of Eid al-Adha, Israel issued fresh evacuation warnings across parts of southern Lebanon, pushing more families into schools and temporary shelters and worsening an already dire displacement crisis. Gaza Control Moves: In parallel, Netanyahu directed the military to expand control in Gaza, starting with a plan to seize 70% of the territory, while reporting and maps suggest Israel already controls about 64% of the coastal strip. Right to Health in Conflict: Human Rights Watch marked the 10-year anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2286, warning that attacks on hospitals and healthcare workers remain widespread.

Lebanon War Health Impact: Israel expanded evacuation orders across southern Lebanon, declaring areas south of the Zahrani River a “combat zone,” as strikes hit near Beirut and Tyre; Lebanon’s health ministry reported deaths including children and dozens wounded, while residents described chaos as families fled on short notice. Ceasefire Strain: Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, near-daily violations continued, with new raids in Beirut’s southern suburbs and fresh shelling and airstrikes across the south. Humanitarian Fallout: Reports say displacement has surged, with hundreds of thousands forced to move again after brief returns, while hospitals and civilian infrastructure take repeated hits. Regional Security & Health Risks: Separate coverage highlighted the broader instability around the Iran conflict and missile attacks, underscoring how quickly health and aid systems can be disrupted. Syria Health System Pressure: A separate week item warned that many Syrians still struggle to access proper healthcare, pointing to ongoing gaps in recovery and services.

Lebanon Health Under Fire: Israeli strikes and artillery shelling across southern Lebanon have killed civilians and damaged homes and public facilities, with reports of hits near Nabatieh’s Nabih Berri Governmental Hospital and other towns in Nabatieh district. Forced Displacement: Israel ordered mass evacuation of all areas south of the Zahrani River, again pushing families into shelters and tents after a brief April ceasefire. Care in the Crosshairs: Multiple reports describe raids affecting hospitals and rescue workers, raising urgent concerns for access to treatment amid escalating fighting. Child Wellbeing Support: The LEGO Foundation pledged $97 million to expand play-based learning programs run by the International Rescue Committee, with Syria among the countries under consideration. Health & Safety Skills: A free CPR and first-aid workshop trained children and families in life-saving techniques, including choking relief, in a community library program. ISIS Return Cases: Australia’s final cohort of women and children linked to Islamic State left Syria, but one woman, Hodan Abby, was barred from boarding due to a temporary exclusion order.

Rebuilding & Health Systems: A new report flags Syria’s reconstruction needs at up to $216bn, but warns that sanctions exposure, weak institutions, and damaged infrastructure—including hospitals and water systems—make health-focused rebuilding a high-risk, high-cost task. Child Wellbeing in Conflict Zones: The LEGO Foundation pledged $97m to expand play-based learning through the International Rescue Committee, with Syria among the countries under consideration, aiming to support millions of children’s recovery and education. CPR Access for Families: A free community CPR and first-aid workshop in a local library trained children and caregivers on choking relief and life-saving steps, boosting practical readiness for emergencies. Return of Children from NE Syria: Save the Children says Australian children returning from northeastern Syria need wraparound health and psychosocial support to recover from trauma and reintegrate safely. Health & Safety After War Damage: Reports also note ongoing health risks from conflict conditions, including injuries and long-term medical needs among children affected by violence. Medical Ethics Under Scrutiny: A major case in the US alleges a former Army OB-GYN secretly recorded patients during exams, renewing attention on patient consent and protection.

ISIS Brides Return, No Charges Yet: Six women and 13 children linked to ISIL arrived in Australia from Syria’s al-Roj camp, with police searching belongings and downloading devices on arrival—but no arrests or charges were made, while investigations stay “ongoing.” The political heat is rising as Prime Minister Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke have stayed largely silent beyond saying any crimes will be prosecuted. Health Under Fire in Lebanon: Israel’s war on Lebanon’s healthcare system continues to claim lives, with reports of more than 120 healthcare workers killed since early March, including rescue teams hit during recovery efforts. Care Abuse Case in the US Army: At Fort Hood, prosecutors described alleged patterns of secret recordings and abuse by suspended OB-GYN Maj. Blaine McGraw during an Article 32 hearing. Syria Health & Social Policy: Syria’s new decree raises pensions by 30% starting June 1, offering a rare domestic relief measure amid broader hardship. Conflict-Education Push: The LEGO Foundation and IRC pledged $97 million to expand play-based learning for 5 million conflict-affected children across the region, including Syria.

Return-to-Syria Reality Check: After Assad’s fall, many families still can’t go home—AP reports thousands remain trapped in tent camps like al-Karama near Atmeh, with destroyed houses and reconstruction costs keeping them stuck amid leaking tents, heat, insects, and failing sanitation. Health System Strain: In al-Hasakah, health directorate staff say salaries have been unpaid since March, with payments stalled over internal signatures and shifting responsibility. ISIS Return Fallout in Australia: Two flights carrying 19 women and children linked to Islamic State landed in Melbourne and Sydney; police say no one was charged, but belongings were searched and devices downloaded while investigations continue. Regional Pressure on Aid Routes: A Strait of Hormuz closure is again choking trade and humanitarian logistics, with Afghanistan’s WFP reporting nutrition supplies running out as shipping routes collapse. Education & Tech Push: Damascus University signed deals to build a digital library and an AI center—small steps, but a sign of rebuilding beyond hospitals and housing.

Radiotherapy Start in Brazil: President Lula has begun preventive superficial radiotherapy after early-stage basal cell skin cancer was removed from his scalp, with 15 sessions planned and no restrictions expected. Syria Health System Strain: In al-Hasakah, health directorate staff still haven’t been paid since March, with orders reportedly stuck awaiting a Ministry of Finance signature—leaving workers under pressure heading into Eid. Damascus University Digital Push: Damascus University and the Saïd Foundation signed deals for a paperless digital library and an AI center to expand access to major academic databases. Gaza Aid Pressure: World Central Kitchen is cutting hot-meal deliveries back to pre-October levels due to financial strain, warning need hasn’t dropped. Regional Security Shock: CENTCOM says it responded within minutes to Iran-linked actions during ceasefire talks, including attempts to emplace mines—raising fears of renewed escalation. ISIS Returns to Australia: A group of women and children linked to ISIS is set to fly home from Syria, but one woman was barred from boarding on national security grounds, while children reportedly face medical complications.

Lebanon Health Under Fire: Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon killed at least six people as evacuation orders expanded, including a paramedic killed by a drone strike while inspecting an earlier attack site—another reminder that medical workers are being hit in the middle of the fighting. Damascus Health System Strain: In al-Hasakah, Health Directorate staff say salaries have been unpaid for three months, with payments stuck pending a Ministry of Finance signature. Syria’s Digital Push: Damascus University signed deals to build a paperless digital library and an AI center, aiming to expand access to major academic databases for researchers. Public Health Logistics: UN agencies warn that Strait of Hormuz disruptions are choking aid routes, raising costs and delaying medicines and vaccines. Waste Crisis in Aleppo: Eastern Aleppo residents say daily garbage burning is worsening respiratory illness risks, especially for children and the elderly. Food Aid Pressure in Gaza: World Central Kitchen cut hot-meal output due to funding pressure, even as need remains high.