Gaza: The World Health Organization's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhi, has raised concerns about the limitations imposed by Israel on the entry of medical aid into the Gaza Strip, which she claims are significantly hindering the region's health response. Balkhi warns that the potential spread of diseases in Gaza poses a threat to the entire region.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Balkhi in a press statement emphasized that the challenges faced in Gaza extend beyond conflict-related damage and now include severe restrictions on access to healthcare services. This situation, she warned, endangers the lives of the population as the health system struggles with dwindling resources and rapidly increasing needs.
Balkhi highlighted that while life-saving supplies exist, their delivery to Gaza is impeded. She pointed out that patients either receive limited care or none at all due to closed crossings and restricted aid flow, which undermines the overall health response.
Furthermore, Balkhi noted that fuel supplies entering Gaza are insufficient, forcing hospitals to operate on a rotational basis. This fuel shortage, she warned, threatens the continuity of health services, as hospitals may cease functioning without adequate fuel, posing risks to the entire health system.
The recent escalation has also affected the ceasefire, which was meant to facilitate aid entry and ensure medical evacuations. Balkhi mentioned that irregular medical evacuations prevent critically ill patients from accessing essential care.
In her statement, Balkhi also addressed the long-term impact on Gaza's infrastructure and housing, suggesting that the reconstruction may take decades, potentially leading to increased disease prevalence and exacerbated health needs. Since the ceasefire began, only 388 patients have been evacuated, including 47 children, compared to the 3,668 patients the organization has helped evacuate since October 2023.