Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the WHO has condemned ongoing assaults on Gaza's medical facilities and called for the immediate release of detained medical personnel, underlining the severe impact of the conflict on civilian health care and welfare.
WHO Urges Halt to Attacks on Gaza Hospitals Amid Escalating Violence
WHO Urges Halt to Attacks on Gaza Hospitals Amid Escalating Violence
The World Health Organization has called for an end to assaults on hospitals in Gaza, warning of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis as military actions continue.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strong appeal for a cessation of assaults on hospitals in Gaza, as the humanitarian crisis deepens following recent military actions. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's Director-General, emphasized the perilous condition of hospitals, stating that they have become battlegrounds amid widespread violence. His comments come in light of the Israeli military's forced evacuation of the only operational hospital in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan, and a subsequent attack on two hospitals in Gaza City.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the hospitals were being utilized by Hamas as military command centers, leading to strikes that resulted in injuries and fatalities among patients and medical staff. Dr. Tedros joined human rights organizations in calling for the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of the Kamal Adwan hospital, who was detained during the raid. Rights groups have described his detention as a violation of international humanitarian law, highlighting the obligation to protect medical personnel in conflict zones.
The health condition of Dr. Abu Safiya is a cause for concern, as his family indicated he is recovering from recent injuries. Reports suggest he is being held for interrogation at a military base in southern Israel. The WHO has responded to the urgent health crisis by providing basic medical and hygiene supplies to the Indonesian hospital, which is severely compromised and unable to deliver adequate care. The organization has emphasized the immediate need for Israel to ensure the healthcare rights of detainees.
Multiple hospitals in Gaza have recently suffered damage amidst ongoing clashes, with the humanitarian situation worsening as the IDF continues its ground offensive against Hamas. Local witnesses and displaced individuals express fear of further military actions, indicating a severe lack of safe havens amid ongoing assaults. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reiterated the necessity for respect for medical facilities under international humanitarian law.
As tensions remain high, the Israeli campaign against Hamas has intensified since the group's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, leading to significant casualties in both Israel and Gaza. The WHO cautions that the ongoing violence poses a grave risk to civilians' access to life-saving healthcare, urging for increased aid and safety for those in need.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the hospitals were being utilized by Hamas as military command centers, leading to strikes that resulted in injuries and fatalities among patients and medical staff. Dr. Tedros joined human rights organizations in calling for the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of the Kamal Adwan hospital, who was detained during the raid. Rights groups have described his detention as a violation of international humanitarian law, highlighting the obligation to protect medical personnel in conflict zones.
The health condition of Dr. Abu Safiya is a cause for concern, as his family indicated he is recovering from recent injuries. Reports suggest he is being held for interrogation at a military base in southern Israel. The WHO has responded to the urgent health crisis by providing basic medical and hygiene supplies to the Indonesian hospital, which is severely compromised and unable to deliver adequate care. The organization has emphasized the immediate need for Israel to ensure the healthcare rights of detainees.
Multiple hospitals in Gaza have recently suffered damage amidst ongoing clashes, with the humanitarian situation worsening as the IDF continues its ground offensive against Hamas. Local witnesses and displaced individuals express fear of further military actions, indicating a severe lack of safe havens amid ongoing assaults. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reiterated the necessity for respect for medical facilities under international humanitarian law.
As tensions remain high, the Israeli campaign against Hamas has intensified since the group's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, leading to significant casualties in both Israel and Gaza. The WHO cautions that the ongoing violence poses a grave risk to civilians' access to life-saving healthcare, urging for increased aid and safety for those in need.
