In a desperate plea for protection of medical institutions, WHO's Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the dire consequences of ongoing violence in Gaza hospitals, following recent attacks and military evacuations.
WHO Urges Immediate Ceasefire on Gaza Hospitals Amid Humanitarian Crisis
WHO Urges Immediate Ceasefire on Gaza Hospitals Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Global health body condemns recent assaults on medical facilities in Gaza, highlighting severe risks to patients and staff.
The situation in Gaza has reached a critical juncture as hospitals, including the last operating facility in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan, have come under siege by Israeli military forces. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization, condemned the actions, stating, “Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds and the health system is under severe threat.” His comments come in the midst of significant unrest, with two hospitals in Gaza City suffering attacks over the weekend, raising alarms about the safety of patients and medical personnel.
Israeli forces conducted a controversial operation at Kamal Adwan on Friday, claiming to target a Hamas stronghold. The military conducted a forcible evacuation, detaining a number of staff members, including Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital's director, who remains unaccounted for. The Israeli military claims Dr. Abu Safiya is suspected of being involved with Hamas, though no evidence has been presented, leading rights groups to label his detention as a violation of international humanitarian law.
The WHO highlighted the untenable conditions at Kamal Adwan, with severely injured patients relocated to the Indonesian hospital, which itself is struggling to function due to ongoing attacks and damage. Dr. Tedros reiterated the need for urgent medical supplies and care for those detained amid the chaos, noting the serious health implications for the patients involved.
The humanitarian crisis has only deepened as hospitals like al-Ahli and al-Wafa also faced attacks, exacerbating an already dire situation where healthcare provisions are reaching breaking point. Reports surfaced of civilians, including medical students, being caught in the crossfire while seeking refuge during strikes—a grim reminder of the ongoing violence that continues to ravage Gaza.
The International Committee of the Red Cross voiced similar concerns, urging adherence to protections afforded to medical facilities and civilians during conflicts. “Medical facilities have protections and civilians have protections in situations of conflict... we need to see this respected,” a spokesperson stated.
With the ongoing military actions resulting in significant loss of life and the displacement of countless families, voices from the international community, including WHO, are calling for immediate action to ensure safe access to medical care and the protection of hospitals, emphasizing the need for compassion amidst the chaos.
