WHO Issues Dire Warning as Israel Intensifies Assault on Gaza City

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm bells regarding the critical state of hospitals in Gaza as Israel’s military operations escalate, particularly in Gaza City. The ongoing conflict, which has led to devastating humanitarian conditions, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement among the Palestinian population.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

As the conflict continues, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported on Thursday that recent Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 79 individuals and left 228 others injured within a single day. This brings the total death toll since the onset of hostilities in October 2023 to a staggering 65,141, with injuries reported at 165,925. The situation is dire, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties and limited resources.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the dire circumstances faced by civilians in Gaza City. He stated that the ongoing assault is “driving new waves of displacement,” forcing traumatized families into increasingly confined areas that lack basic human necessities and dignity. The WHO has called for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the inhumane conditions that have emerged as a result of the conflict.

Displacement and Living Conditions

Reports from displaced individuals paint a grim picture of life in Gaza. Rachid Abdel Latif Shaaban, who spoke to Al Jazeera from a makeshift camp in Deir el-Balah, described the appalling conditions surrounding him. “We were searching all over for a decent place where we can stay, but that costs money to rent a small piece of land. We can’t afford that,” he lamented, surrounded by garbage, sewage, and pollution.

Another displaced woman, Ayesha Abu Ghof, shared her family’s plight, revealing that they have been forced to live on a landfill. She reported that her children are suffering from various illnesses and that access to medical care is virtually nonexistent. “All our children are sick and suffer from diseases, and there are no doctors around, no medicine,” she stated.

Hospitals on the Brink

The WHO has reported that Gaza’s hospitals are on the verge of collapse due to the relentless military offensive. As Israeli tanks and armored vehicles advance, there is an effective siege on Gaza City, leading to acute shortages of medical supplies in the few remaining operational health facilities. Only two hospitals in the city, al-Shifa and al-Ahli, are reported to be partially functional, struggling to provide basic medical interventions amid overwhelming demand.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many injured individuals, particularly those with disabilities, cannot evacuate to safer areas, putting their lives in imminent danger. Tedros highlighted the critical need for a ceasefire, stating, “The injured and people with disabilities cannot move to safety, which puts their lives in grave danger.”

International Response and Concerns

The international community has expressed growing concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Despite the widespread outcry, there has been a lack of consensus among Western nations on how to effectively intervene. Spain has emerged as one of Israel’s staunch critics, recently announcing its support for the International Criminal Court’s investigation into alleged war crimes committed during the conflict.

The United Nations has reported that the ongoing offensive has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee south, further complicating an already catastrophic humanitarian situation. Olga Cherevko, a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, described the conditions as “nothing short of cataclysmic.”

Escalation of Military Operations

On Thursday, Israeli military operations intensified, with tanks and warplanes targeting Gaza City. This escalation prompted long lines of terrified civilians seeking safety as they fled the area. Reports indicated that at least 14 people were killed in Israeli attacks on Thursday morning alone, with additional casualties reported throughout the day.

As the military campaign escalates, concerns grow that hospitals and medical facilities will be cut off from essential supplies and support. The already dire hygiene conditions in Gaza have led to a surge in diseases, skin rashes, and other public health crises, further endangering the lives of the civilian population.

Conclusion

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with the WHO warning of a humanitarian catastrophe. As Israel’s military operations continue to push deeper into Gaza City, the plight of the Palestinian population grows increasingly desperate. The international community faces a critical challenge in addressing the humanitarian needs and advocating for an end to the violence.

Key Facts

– The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported a total death toll of 65,141 and 165,925 injuries since the conflict began in October 2023.
– WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an immediate ceasefire to address the inhumane conditions in Gaza.
– Only two hospitals in Gaza City remain partially functional amid acute shortages of medical supplies.
– Spain has announced support for the International Criminal Court’s investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes.
– The United Nations reported that the offensive has displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Source: www.aljazeera.com