WHO Condemns Repeated Israeli Attacks on Gaza Health Facilities, Warns of Healthcare System Collapse
Gaza Strip – The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly condemned a series of attacks on its facilities within the Gaza Strip, alleging that Israeli forces have struck three WHO-supported premises on Monday alone. This escalation comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the WHO is urgently warning that the repeated attacks are pushing Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system to the brink of complete collapse.
According to a statement released by the WHO, the three incidents involved direct strikes on facilities providing essential healthcare services to the civilian population. These facilities include a hospital and two health centres crucial for treating the injured and providing vital medical care. The WHO emphasizes that these attacks constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of healthcare workers and facilities during armed conflict.
“We are deeply concerned by these repeated attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza,” said a WHO spokesperson. “Attacks on hospitals and health centres are unacceptable and have a devastating impact on the ability of healthcare providers to save lives and alleviate suffering. The health system in Gaza was already struggling to cope with the immense needs of the population before this conflict. These attacks are only exacerbating the situation and pushing it towards a catastrophic point.”
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically since the conflict began, with hospitals overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties and facing severe shortages of essential medical supplies, including medicines, bandages, and fuel to power generators. The ongoing siege has severely restricted the entry of humanitarian aid, further compounding the crisis.
The WHO estimates that over half of Gaza’s hospitals are currently non-functional or operating with severely limited capacity. Access to clean water and sanitation is also severely compromised, increasing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. The organization is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid to ensure that healthcare services can be maintained and the health needs of the population can be addressed.
The UN agency has reiterated its call for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to protect healthcare workers and facilities. It is urging the international community to provide urgent financial and logistical support to bolster Gaza’s healthcare system and prevent a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation. The future of healthcare in Gaza hangs in the balance, and immediate action is needed to avert a complete collapse.
The attacks on WHO facilities highlight the broader challenges facing humanitarian organizations operating in conflict zones. The WHO is working tirelessly to provide assistance to the people of Gaza, but its efforts are being hampered by the ongoing violence and the restrictions on access. The international community must step up its support to ensure that humanitarian workers can safely and effectively deliver aid to those in need.
