Gaza city: The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has highlighted the severe impact on health and human lives in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. The organization described the situation as a grave tragedy.
According to Palestine news and Information Agency, the WHO Regional Office issued a statement on Thursday where Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the organization's regional director, reported that since October 2023, over 72,000 people have been killed, and 182,000 others injured. In 2025 alone, nearly 26,000 additional deaths were recorded.
The WHO noted that even after a ceasefire in October 2025, civilian casualties continued, health services remained disrupted, and humanitarian access was restricted. It reported that there are no fully operational hospitals in Gaza, with none functioning in northern Gaza. Over half of the essential medicines are depleted, while thousands of patients urgently need medical evacuation.
The spread of infectious diseases persists due to overcrowding and worsening health conditions. Mental health needs are significant, and risks to mothers and newborns are increasing. In the West Bank, the situation is deteriorating due to escalating violence and movement restrictions, with the Palestinian Authority's financial crisis severely limiting healthcare services, leaving public hospitals to offer only emergency services.
The WHO explained that despite harsh conditions, it and its partners are striving to provide aid. The organization appealed for $648 million for the 2025 health response but has received only 75 percent of the needed funds. Nonetheless, they managed to deliver over 4,000 metric tons of emergency medical supplies to Gaza and ensured fuel supply to keep the health system operational. In the West Bank, emergency care and treatment for the injured have been expanded.
Dr. Balkhy emphasized that political statements are not enough to sustain humanitarian operations. She called for the protection of healthcare, ongoing humanitarian aid delivery, and the lifting of restrictions blocking essential medical supplies and emergency teams. There is also a call for international support to restore health services, reduce reliance on medical evacuations, and reopen referral routes from the West Bank.