WHO Warns of Imminent Collapse of Gaza’s Health System Amid Continued Attacks on Hospitals

GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning regarding the state of the health system in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that it is on the brink of collapse due to ongoing military assaults. The WHO's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for an immediate cessation of attacks on medical facilities to ensure that civilians have access to essential health services and that humanitarian efforts are not hindered. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the recent attacks on Al-Ahli and Al-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospitals in Gaza City, which have suffered damage from Israeli military operations. The Director-General stressed the urgent need for medical support, stating that essential supplies, including medical equipment, food, and water, were delivered to the Indonesian hospital. However, during an attempt to transfer 10 critically ill patients to Al-Shifa Hospital, four patients were detained by Israeli forces, prompt ing a call for the respect of patients' health rights. The WHO also demanded the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, underscoring the challenging conditions faced by health workers in the region. Since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that 1,060 health workers have been killed, over 310 arrested, and hundreds injured. Additionally, approximately 130 ambulances have been destroyed, severely limiting emergency response capabilities. The destruction of medical infrastructure has severely impacted the availability of basic health care for Gaza's civilian population. UN organizations have expressed concern over the limited volume of medical supplies entering Gaza, warning that current provisions are insufficient to sustain the necessary health response. Furthermore, all medical evacuations from Gaza remain suspended, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.