The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has urgently appealed for a halt to attacks on hospitals in Gaza, reinforcing the dire state of the health system as the region faces escalating violence. His plea follows recent assaults where the remaining operational hospital in northern Gaza was forced to evacuate its patients due to military actions, raising concerns about the safety of medical staff and the critical condition of patients in the area.
WHO Calls for Immediate Cessation of Attacks on Gaza Hospitals
WHO Calls for Immediate Cessation of Attacks on Gaza Hospitals
The World Health Organization urges an end to violence impacting medical facilities in Gaza amid a humanitarian crisis.
On Friday, the Israeli military raided Kamal Adwan Hospital, claiming it was a Hamas stronghold, which resulted in the detention of its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. Rights organizations have condemned this action, highlighting the jeopardy it puts medical caregivers under international humanitarian law. Concerns for Dr. Abu Safiya's health have been expressed since he is still recuperating from prior injuries.
Dr. Tedros has pointed out that after the military's action, Kamal Adwan was rendered inoperable, and critically ill patients were shifted to the Indonesian hospital—a facility already compromised. The WHO, alongside partners, was able to provide some humanitarian assistance, but complications arose when four patients were detained during the transfer, with one reported critically unwell.
In response to the latest escalation in violence, which intensified following an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 that resulted in significant casualties, the situation has become increasingly desperate for the civilian population. The UN indicates widespread humanitarian access has been severely restricted for over 11 weeks, deepening the crisis faced by the residents of Gaza.
Dr. Tedros reported ongoing attacks against other hospitals, including al-Ahli and al-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital, warning of the impact on patients and medical staff. One witness recounted terrifying experiences during a bombing at al-Wafa Hospital, describing the upheaval and injuries sustained by hospital staff and patients in the chaos.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as displaced families express fear and uncertainty; families enduring repeated evacuations have nowhere safe to turn. As the conflict drags on, the casualty figures grow, with a reported death toll exceeding 45,540 people in Gaza since the outbreak of hostilities, prompting calls for urgent international intervention and solidarity to address the crisis.
Dr. Tedros has pointed out that after the military's action, Kamal Adwan was rendered inoperable, and critically ill patients were shifted to the Indonesian hospital—a facility already compromised. The WHO, alongside partners, was able to provide some humanitarian assistance, but complications arose when four patients were detained during the transfer, with one reported critically unwell.
In response to the latest escalation in violence, which intensified following an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 that resulted in significant casualties, the situation has become increasingly desperate for the civilian population. The UN indicates widespread humanitarian access has been severely restricted for over 11 weeks, deepening the crisis faced by the residents of Gaza.
Dr. Tedros reported ongoing attacks against other hospitals, including al-Ahli and al-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital, warning of the impact on patients and medical staff. One witness recounted terrifying experiences during a bombing at al-Wafa Hospital, describing the upheaval and injuries sustained by hospital staff and patients in the chaos.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as displaced families express fear and uncertainty; families enduring repeated evacuations have nowhere safe to turn. As the conflict drags on, the casualty figures grow, with a reported death toll exceeding 45,540 people in Gaza since the outbreak of hostilities, prompting calls for urgent international intervention and solidarity to address the crisis.
