The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a dire health situation in Gaza, as Israeli bombardment continues in the area, as part of Israel’s military incursion.
The organisation says this has led to an even worse humanitarian disaster, endangering water and sanitation facilities for nearly one million people, many of whom are already facing extreme food deprivation.
WHO’s Director General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said the situation is exacerbated by famine which was declared in parts of Gaza two weeks ago.
Ghebreyesus highlighted that since the conflict began in October 2023, at least 370 people have died from malnutrition in Gaza, including more than 300 just in the past two months.
“And where hunger goes, disease follows. Lack of food and clean water and cramped living conditions are leaving people with weakened immune systems exposed to more disease.
“In the past month, more than 100 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome have been reported, with 11 deaths, a syndrome that can occur after other infections and lead to paralysis,” said Ghebreyesus.
He said the organisation is doing its best to alleviate suffering and evacuate those who need urgent medical care outside Gaza.
Furthermore, the organisation said since October 2023, it has supported the evacuation of over 7 640 patients, including 5 300 children, and 2 660 companions.
Despite this, Ghebreyesus said the health situation in Gaza is worsening.
“But there are still more than 15 000 patients in Gaza who need urgent specialised care, including 3800 children. More than 700 people have died while waiting for medical evacuation, including almost 140 children,” explained Ghebreyesus.
The Director-General expressed concern that countries are willing to receive Palestinians in urgent need of urgent medical care.
“We call for countries to open their arms to these critically ill patients. We call on Israel to allow people to be treated in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where hospitals closer to home can take many patients. Above all, we call on the Government of Israel to end this inhumane war. If it will not, I call on its allies to use their influence to stop it,” pleaded Ghebreyesus.
He highlighted that Israel could stop what he described as a man-made disaster if it wants, as it has barred humanitarian aid from being delivered to Palestinians in Gaza.
This also includes medical supplies that are needed by strained hospitals.
“People are starving to death while the food that could save them sits on trucks a short distance away. And for what? The starvation of the people of Gaza will not make Israel safer, nor will it facilitate the release of the hostages. This is a catastrophe that Israel could have prevented and could stop at any time. Starvation of civilians as a method of war is a war crime that can never be tolerated, doing so in one conflict risks legitimizing its use in future conflicts,” remarked Ghebreyesus.
