WHO Reports Catastrophic Humanitarian Situation In Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over Israeli strikes on shelters and food distribution sites in Gaza, leading to numerous casualties. Dr Rik Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, reported that around 90 Palestinians are killed daily, with over 200 injured. He urged an immediate cessation of these indiscriminate attacks.

Dr Peeperkorn highlighted the dire situation in Gaza's healthcare system, which is grappling with a critical shortage of medical supplies and fuel. No fuel has been delivered to the region for more than 120 days. The limited reserves available can only partially sustain operations at 17 hospitals for a brief period, and some stockpiles are in hard-to-reach areas.

Al Shifa Hospital is operating at minimal capacity due to the fuel crisis, forcing it to cut back on medical services. Dr Peeperkorn warned that 13 patients in intensive care, dependent on ventilators, face imminent danger. Nasser Medical Complex is overwhelmed with patients from non-UN food distribution points, leaving doctors with tough choices between treating trauma injuries and chronic illnesses.

Dr Peeperkorn shared harrowing stories from WHO teams, including a 13-year-old child shot in the head and two young men aged 16 and 21 who suffered spinal injuries resulting in complete paralysis. These accounts underscore the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians.

More than 10,000 people in Gaza need medical evacuation. Recently, WHO evacuated 19 children and 39 companions to Jordan, along with four patients and seven companions to Türkiye. Since March 18th, only seven medical evacuation operations have taken place, assisting 317 patients and 504 companions.

The total number of evacuees since October 2023 stands at 7,425 individuals, including 5,127 children. This highlights the urgent need for increased humanitarian efforts to address the escalating crisis in Gaza.

With inputs from WAM