According to the UN, children are dying of hunger in the Gaza Strip after months of war and blocked humanitarian aid. During a visit to the north of the region, which is largely without aid, UN officials gathered information about severe malnutrition and starving children, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, said today on X (Twitter) . .
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Tedros: “Atrocious” situation in hospitals
The WHO relief mission's visits to the two clinics were the first since October 2023 – despite his organization's efforts to gain more frequent access to the north of the Gaza Strip, the WHO chief complained. The situation in hospitals is “horrible”, especially at al-Awda hospital, where one of the buildings was destroyed.
In addition to the lack of food, power cuts are also a “serious danger for the treatment of patients”. The WHO delivered 9,500 liters of fuel as part of its relief operation, but this was only a “fraction” of the amount needed to save human lives.
“Safe and regular aid delivery”
At the end of February, the World Food Program (WFP) warned of an “imminent” famine. Tedros called on Israel to ensure a “safe and regular” delivery of aid. He again called for a ceasefire.
The UN emergency agency OCHA, citing the Hamas-controlled local health authority, reported that 15 children had died from malnutrition as of Sunday. This information could not be independently verified.