Gaza is experiencing a health catastrophe that will last for generations to come, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that a massive increase in aid is needed to begin to address the complex needs of the Strip’s population.
Israel has allowed more medical supplies and other aid to cross into Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect on 10 October, but Dr. Tedros said levels are below those needed to rebuild the territory's healthcare system.
His intervention comes as the US attempts to shore up the ceasefire it helped to broker following an outbreak of violence at the weekend.
The agreement has been described by the White House as the first phase of a 20-point peace plan that includes an increase to the amount of aid entering Gaza, and supplies distributed without interference from either side.
Dr. Tedros told the Today programme he welcomed the ceasefire deal but said the increase in aid that followed has been smaller than expected.
He described the situation on the ground, stating Gazans had experienced famine, overwhelming injuries, a collapsed healthcare system, and outbreaks of disease fueled by the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure.
He noted, This is a very fatal combination, so that makes [the situation] catastrophic and beyond words.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the severity of the health crisis, indicating that the effects of current famine and rampant mental health issues could have lasting impacts on future generations.
Tom Fletcher, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said earlier this week that while aid groups are turning the tide on the starvation crisis, far more was required.
The UN's World Food Programme reported that over 6,700 tonnes of food have entered Gaza since 10 October, but this is still significantly below its target of 2,000 tonnes per day.
Dr. Tedros advocated for unrestricted humanitarian access, urging Israeli authorities to de-link aid from the wider conflict.
He highlighted the urgent need for a substantial increase in aid lorry deliveries, as only 200 to 300 lorries are currently making it into Gaza, while 600 daily are required.
While Israel is currently operating two main crossings for aid, the call remains for all routes to be opened to facilitate increased aid delivery. Additionally, significant obstacles related to border regulations are impeding supply flows aimed at restoring Gaza's health system.
As aid deliveries continue under fluctuating ceasefire conditions, the WHO urges for mounting international pressure for immediate and sufficient assistance to avert an enduring humanitarian disaster.
