The population of the Gaza Strip is in “great danger,” the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday, stressing that hunger and desperation are increasing in the war-ravaged Palestinian areas.
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The WHO said it was able to deliver equipment to two hospitals in the north and south of the territory on Tuesday, while 21 of Gaza's 36 hospitals are no longer functioning at all.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on the international community to “take urgent action to alleviate the grave danger facing the people of Gaza, which threatens the ability of humanitarian workers to help a population suffering terrible injuries.” , acute hunger and a serious risk of illness.”
AFP
In a statement, the UN agency stressed that its team on the ground reported “continuing acute” food needs across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. “Hungry people blocked our convoy in the hope of finding food,” the WHO reported.
“WHO's ability to supply hospitals with medicines, medical supplies and fuel is increasingly constrained by the hunger and desperation of people in and outside hospitals. Get there,” the organization added.
“The safety of our teams and the continuation of the operation depend on the immediate delivery of more food to Gaza,” stressed Mr. Tedros.
The UN Security Council resolution adopted last week calling for the “immediate” and “large-scale” provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza had raised “hope” for improvement, he said.
“However, WHO’s findings on the ground show that the resolution has tragically failed to have an impact at this point,” he added.
“What we need urgently and immediately is a ceasefire to protect civilians from continued violence and begin the long road to peace and reconstruction.”