Gaza is facing a severe health crisis, with the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stating that the repercussions could last for generations. In a recent interview, he emphasized the urgent need for increased aid to address the complex healthcare requirements of the population in the territory.
Since a ceasefire with Hamas was established on October 10, Israel has permitted some medical supplies and aid to cross into Gaza. However, Dr. Tedros noted that the volume remains insufficient to restore the territory’s healthcare system. His comments coincide with ongoing U.S. efforts to support the ceasefire agreement, characterized by the White House as an initial phase of a broader peace plan.
Despite some aid entering Gaza, Dr. Tedros indicated that levels are still much lower than necessary. He highlighted concerns about famine, significant injuries, a collapsed healthcare system, and the spread of diseases due to damaged water and sanitation facilities. He further expressed that the combination of these issues, alongside limited access to humanitarian aid, constitutes a catastrophic situation.
The World Food Programme reported that over 6,700 tons of food have arrived since the ceasefire began, but this is far below the target of 2,000 tons per day, with an average of just 200 to 300 aid trucks entering. Dr. Tedros called for a significant increase in aid deliveries and urged Israeli authorities to separate aid issues from broader conflict considerations.
The recent interruption of aid deliveries by Israel, following an attack that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, raised concerns. Aid supplies resumed under international pressure shortly thereafter. Dr. Tedros also emphasized the need for unconditioned aid access for all humanitarian organizations.
In light of Hamas’s limited compliance with the return of hostages, Dr. Tedros called for a focus on humanitarian needs. He stated that restoration of Gaza’s healthcare system requires considerable financial investment, with previous estimates suggesting a total reconstruction cost of around $70 billion, of which a significant portion would be necessary for health services.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnvezzdnmrno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss