DaysofPal—The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Monday urged an immediate end to attacks on Gaza’s hospitals, warning that the region’s already crippled health system is on the brink of collapse. His appeal followed recent Israeli strikes and raids targeting medical facilities.
“Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds, and the health system is under severe threat,” Tedros wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“We repeat: stop attacks on hospitals. People in Gaza need access to health care. Humanitarians need access to provide health aid. Ceasefire!”
The plea comes in the wake of an Israeli strike on Gaza City’s Al-Wafa Hospital on Sunday, which the Palestinian Civil Defense said resulted in seven deaths.
Days earlier, Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital, detaining over 240 individuals, including medical personnel and the hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya.
False Pretext
The Israeli occupation claimed both actions were part of their broader campaign targeting “Hamas militants”. They accused Al-Wafa Hospital of harboring militants and alleged that Kamal Adwan Hospital was being used as a command center for Hamas operations.
The WHO chief condemned these incidents, calling for Dr. Abu Safiya’s immediate release and highlighting reports of attacks on other medical facilities, including the Al-Ahli Hospital.
Humanitarian Crisis
The WHO also noted critical shortages of basic medical supplies, food, and water at Gaza’s Indonesian Hospital, with ongoing efforts to transfer patients to alternative facilities under dire conditions.
Read more: WHO Condemns Israeli Assault at Kamal Adwan Hospital
During a transfer of 10 critically ill patients to Al-Shifa Hospital, four individuals were reportedly detained by Israeli forces.
“We urge Israel to ensure the health care needs and rights of patients and medical staff are upheld,” Tedros said.
Since the start of Israel’s offensive, the Gaza health ministry has reported at least 45,514 Palestinian deaths and 108,189 injuries.
Tedros, who narrowly escaped harm during an Israeli airstrike on Yemen’s main airport last week, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to allow unhindered humanitarian aid to reach those in need. “Health care is not a target,” he stated.
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