GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed deep concern on Sunday over the nearly impossible task of improving the “catastrophic” health situation in Gaza.
The announcement came as the WHO board passed an emergency motion to enhance medical access, despite the grim challenges ahead.
Palestinian officials have painted a dire picture of the health crisis in Gaza, where widespread displacement, limited access to electricity, food, and clean water, along with a collapsing medical system, have become the harsh reality in the aftermath of Israel’s assault.
The emergency action, put forth by Afghanistan, Qatar, Yemen, and Morocco, aims to facilitate the entry of medical personnel and supplies into Gaza.
Additionally, it calls for documenting violence against healthcare workers and patients, as well as securing funding for the reconstruction of hospitals.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledging the daunting circumstances, stated, “I must be frank with you: these tasks are almost impossible in the current circumstances.”
Despite this, he commended the unprecedented consensus reached by member countries, marking the first agreement on a U.N. motion since the conflict began.
Tedros highlighted the surge in medical needs in Gaza and the heightened risk of disease, coupled with the health system operating at only one-third of its pre-conflict capacity.
Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian politician leading the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees, described the grim reality, stating, “Half of Gaza is now starving.”
He outlined the severe health challenges, including infections, respiratory issues, and the lack of essential resources like warm clothing and blankets.
Gaza hospitals, some under bombardment, face overwhelming pressures, with a WHO database recording 449 attacks on healthcare facilities in Palestinian territories since October 7.
Tedros emphasized the difficulty in meeting the board’s requests due to the security situation on the ground.
The WHO emergency session, chaired by Qatar, comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions, with ongoing challenges in resupplying health facilities and the deep compromise caused by the security situation on the ground.
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