GENEVA: The World Health Organization's director-general issued a fervent plea for Israel to cease its attacks on hospitals in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the grave impacts on medical facilities and the broader humanitarian crisis in the region. The call comes amidst escalating violence that has severely affected the operations of key hospitals in the area.
According to Anadolu Agency, the WHO chief detailed the dire situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, which has been rendered non-operational. The hospital's director, Doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, remains missing after being detained two days ago. Critical patients from Kamal Adwan were transferred to the Indonesian Hospital, which is also struggling to function under the current conditions.
Concerns have been raised over the treatment of patients during these transfers, with reports of detentions occurring. The WHO director-general emphasized the need for Israel to respect the healthcare needs and rights of these individuals. Al-Ahli Hospital and Al-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital in Gaza City have also suffered damage in recent attacks, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis.
The WHO's call for an immediate cessation of hostilities underscores the urgent need for access to medical care and humanitarian aid in Gaza. The organization is calling for a ceasefire to allow essential medical and humanitarian support to reach those in desperate need.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in catastrophic loss of life and infrastructure in Gaza. Since the outbreak of violence following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, over 45,500 people have been killed, and the region has suffered extensive destruction.
In a significant development, arrest warrants have been issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.