WHO Calls for Immediate End to Attacks on Gazan Hospitals Amid Ongoing Conflict

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the WHO warned of the critical state of healthcare in Gaza following military actions that have targeted hospitals. As humanitarian crises deepen, the organization seeks the protection of medical personnel and the safeguarding of patient care amidst the violence.

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a strong appeal for an end to attacks on hospitals in Gaza, emphasizing the alarming situation in the besieged territory. His statement follows incidents involving the Israeli military, which have resulted in the raiding and evacuation of hospitals, notably the remaining operational facility in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan.

On Friday, Israeli military forces entered Kamal Adwan hospital, asserting that it was a stronghold of the militant group Hamas. Reports indicate that they conducted a raid that left the hospital out of service and led to the detention of its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. Further complicating the situation, two hospitals in Gaza City experienced attacks over the weekend, causing significant damage. Israeli military spokespeople claim that these facilities were being utilized by Hamas as command centers.

Dr. Tedros highlighted the urgent need for medical help, stating that the actions against healthcare services have put the entire system in Gaza under severe threat. The WHO leader joined international human rights organizations in calling for the release of Dr. Abu Safiya, who was reportedly seized without substantiated evidence by Israeli forces. The U.S.-based nonprofit MedGlobal condemned the detention as a violation of international humanitarian law, stressing the necessity for the protection of medical staff in conflict zones.

Amid escalating violence, the WHO managed to deliver essential supplies, including food and hygiene products, to the Indonesian hospital, where critically ill patients had been transferred. Nevertheless, the situation worsened still, with reports of four patients being detained during their transfer to al-Shifa Hospital, increasing concerns regarding their health and rights.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, as the UN reveals that the region has faced nearly total siege and severe restrictions on aid for over 11 weeks. Dr. Tedros reported that both the al-Ahli and al-Wafa hospitals were also affected by military actions, with al-Wafa hospital sustaining attacks that led to civilian casualties.

Witness accounts from those present during the strikes describe chaotic scenes of injury and panic, amidst fears that repeated attacks could render them homeless once again. The ongoing conflict was ignited by a surprise assault by Hamas, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 individuals in southern Israel last month. In retaliation, Israeli military efforts have reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 45,540 people in Gaza, exacerbating an already devastating humanitarian landscape.