Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed grave concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, highlighting the urgent need for protection of medical personnel and facilities.
WHO Urges End to Attacks on Hospitals Amid Gaza Crisis
WHO Urges End to Attacks on Hospitals Amid Gaza Crisis
The World Health Organization has called for an immediate cessation of assaults on healthcare facilities in Gaza as violence escalates.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has made an urgent appeal for an end to the ongoing attacks on hospitals in Gaza, marking a critical escalation in a humanitarian crisis. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that healthcare facilities have become battlegrounds, jeopardizing the health and safety of patients and medical staff alike.
His statement followed the Israeli military's forced evacuation of the last operational hospital in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan, as well as recent assaults on other hospitals, including two significant strikes on facilities in Gaza City. In its defense, the Israeli military alleged that these hospitals were being misused as Hamas command centers.
Dr. Tedros joined human rights advocates in demanding the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan hospital, who was detained during a raid. The military's accusations categorizing him as a suspected Hamas operative were met with skepticism, as no substantial evidence has been provided to support these claims.
MedGlobal, a humanitarian organization, condemned the detention of Dr. Abu Safiya, stating that it contravenes international humanitarian law which guarantees protection to medical personnel in conflict areas. Family members expressed grave concern for his well-being, stating that he has previously suffered severe injuries and is at risk of deteriorating health in detention.
The WHO also revealed that Kamal Adwan hospital has ceased operations, forcing critically ill patients to be transferred to the damaged Indonesian hospital, which is currently unable to provide the necessary level of care needed.
Efforts to deliver medical supplies and essential goods to affected facilities continue, but conditions remain dire. The WHO reported that during these attempts, four patients were detained, raising alarms about their care and rights being compromised.
The conflict in Gaza, marked by an Israeli ground offensive in response to Hamas attacks, has severely restricted humanitarian access, compounding the already challenging situation for civilians. Reports indicate substantial loss of life and injuries, leading to a devastating humanitarian landscape.
Dr. Tedros expressed concern over the continued attacks on hospitals like al-Ahli and al-Wafa, which saw casualties from recent airstrikes. Witness accounts reflect a chaotic scene inside these beleaguered healthcare facilities, leaving patients and medical workers in peril as violence unfolds.
As the conflict continues, the WHO underscores the urgent requirement for a ceasefire and respect for medical facilities amid fears for the lives and safety of those caught in the crossfire. The escalation of violence has led to a staggering death toll in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention and support.
His statement followed the Israeli military's forced evacuation of the last operational hospital in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan, as well as recent assaults on other hospitals, including two significant strikes on facilities in Gaza City. In its defense, the Israeli military alleged that these hospitals were being misused as Hamas command centers.
Dr. Tedros joined human rights advocates in demanding the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan hospital, who was detained during a raid. The military's accusations categorizing him as a suspected Hamas operative were met with skepticism, as no substantial evidence has been provided to support these claims.
MedGlobal, a humanitarian organization, condemned the detention of Dr. Abu Safiya, stating that it contravenes international humanitarian law which guarantees protection to medical personnel in conflict areas. Family members expressed grave concern for his well-being, stating that he has previously suffered severe injuries and is at risk of deteriorating health in detention.
The WHO also revealed that Kamal Adwan hospital has ceased operations, forcing critically ill patients to be transferred to the damaged Indonesian hospital, which is currently unable to provide the necessary level of care needed.
Efforts to deliver medical supplies and essential goods to affected facilities continue, but conditions remain dire. The WHO reported that during these attempts, four patients were detained, raising alarms about their care and rights being compromised.
The conflict in Gaza, marked by an Israeli ground offensive in response to Hamas attacks, has severely restricted humanitarian access, compounding the already challenging situation for civilians. Reports indicate substantial loss of life and injuries, leading to a devastating humanitarian landscape.
Dr. Tedros expressed concern over the continued attacks on hospitals like al-Ahli and al-Wafa, which saw casualties from recent airstrikes. Witness accounts reflect a chaotic scene inside these beleaguered healthcare facilities, leaving patients and medical workers in peril as violence unfolds.
As the conflict continues, the WHO underscores the urgent requirement for a ceasefire and respect for medical facilities amid fears for the lives and safety of those caught in the crossfire. The escalation of violence has led to a staggering death toll in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention and support.
