211 patients undergoing chemo evacuated: US strikes near Iran cancer hospital for children - video

A specialized cancer hospital in Iran's southwestern city of Ahvaz was forced to evacuate 211 patients, including children undergoing chemotherapy, after U.S. airstrikes struck areas near the facility late Wednesday. The explosions' shockwaves impacted Shahid Baghaei Hospital, a center for hematology and oncology in Khuzestan province, prompting authorities to move patients to other medical centers.

“

Some people had children in their arms, some had IVs in their hands and some were in wheelchairs. Everyone went outside.

"Some people had children in their arms, some had IVs in their hands and some were in wheelchairs. Everyone went outside," a staff member told Al Jazeera, describing the chaotic scene. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported the evacuation was conducted "to protect the lives of patients," and that the hospital is temporarily out of service. No casualties were reported.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman condemned the U.S. strike near the children's cancer hospital as a "barbaric war crime." He stated the attack caused "severe suffering and anxiety" and forced the emergency evacuation of vulnerable patients. "This constitutes a cowardly war crime against the most innocent of human beings, children who are bravely fighting for their lives," he said on X, criticizing those who advocate for human rights but ignore the targeting of hospitals.

“

This barbaric attack, reminiscent of Israel's atrocities against healthcare facilities, caused severe suffering and anxiety upon the hospitalised children, and forced the emergency evacuation of 211 patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences confirmed all patients were transferred and their treatment continues uninterrupted. Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, published an image of the hospital entrance. The U.S. has not yet responded. In recent days, the U.S. has conducted strikes in Iran's southern regions, citing a need to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“

This constitutes a cowardly war crime against the most innocent of human beings, children who are bravely fighting for their lives. Those who ceaselessly preach human rights, yet deliberately turn a blind eye to the targeting of hospitals and health centers, have forfeited every shred of moral credibility.