WHO Warns of ‘Grave Peril’ in Gaza, Calls to Protect Shrinking Hospital Capacity
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The World Health Organization (WHO) once again sounded alarm, emphasizing the critical condition of Gaza's hospitals and the escalating dangers for Palestinians, urging swift global intervention to address the severe jeopardy gripping the besieged territory.
"Gaza cannot afford to lose any more hospitals," emphasized Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting the dire situation within the enclave.
According to recent WHO assessments, Gaza currently operates 13 partially functional hospitals, with only two functioning at minimal capacity and a staggering 21 hospitals completely non-operational, exacerbating the pressing healthcare crisis.
Efforts by WHO aim to “strengthen and expand the existing struggling health system”, shared Peeperkorn in a statement posted on WHO's social media platform.
Tragically, more than 21,000 lives, predominantly of children and women, have been claimed in Gaza since the commencement of the Israeli military campaign against the Palestinian enclave on October 7.
Expressing profound concern, the WHO post highlighted the adverse impact of fresh displacements on already strained health facilities in the southern region, foreseeing heightened challenges in meeting the population's pressing medical needs.
The forced displacement was projected to exacerbate overcrowding, escalate the risk of infectious diseases, and impede the delivery of critical humanitarian aid, compounding the existing crisis.
In a renewed plea to the international community, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated the urgent need to address the perilous situation confronting Gaza's population, endangering humanitarian efforts to aid those grappling with severe injuries, acute hunger, and heightened disease risks.
Ghebreyesus referenced a recent high-risk mission undertaken by WHO staff to deliver vital supplies to Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza and Al-Amal Palestine Red Crescent Society in the south, both serving as shelters for displaced Palestinians seeking safety from relentless Israeli bombardment.
Reports from Al-Amal depicted an overwhelming scene, with WHO staff encountering challenges navigating through the hospital due to the sheer number of patients and displaced individuals seeking refuge within its premises.
Highlighting the personal impact of the conflict, Ghebreyesus noted the direct effect on WHO personnel working in Gaza, “What we urgently need right now is a ceasefire to spare civilians from further violence and begin the long road towards reconstruction and peace,” WHO chief said.
