GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the dire situation in Gaza’s hospitals, stating that less than half of its requested aid-delivery missions have been approved by Israel. Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO’s representative for the occupied Palestinian territories, highlighted the urgent need to reach and resupply devastated hospitals across the besieged territory.
Speaking from Rafah in southern Gaza via video-link to reporters in Geneva, Peeperkorn described the dire conditions in Gaza’s hospitals, which are “completely overwhelmed and overflowing and undersupplied.” He lamented the high number of unnecessary amputations due to inadequate medical resources, emphasizing the critical need for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
WHO Criticizes Israeli Actions in Gaza
Peeperkorn criticized Israel for obstructing aid deliveries, stating that only 40 percent of the missions requested by WHO to deliver aid to northern Gaza since November had been facilitated. He noted that this figure had decreased further since January, with only 45 percent of requested missions in southern Gaza being approved.
Describing the situation as “absurd,” Peeperkorn stressed the importance of humanitarian corridors to allow WHO, the UN, and their partners to carry out their vital work even amidst ongoing conflict.
The escalating crisis in Gaza comes amidst ongoing efforts by international mediators to secure a ceasefire and prevent further bloodshed. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths warned of the potential for a catastrophic outcome if military operations were to escalate in densely populated areas like Rafah.
Peeperkorn echoed Griffiths’ concerns, emphasizing that any military activities in densely populated areas would exacerbate the already dire humanitarian disaster in Gaza. He urged all parties involved to prioritize the well-being of civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need.
