In the wake of escalating violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent plea for unimpeded access to health and humanitarian assistance. The agency stated on Tuesday that over 1000 individuals have lost their lives, with numerous others sustaining injuries as a result of violent acts perpetrated by Hamas in Israel and subsequent days of intensive bombing in Gaza.
The WHO has extended its offer of assistance to health authorities in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Monday, securing an agreement to facilitate the delivery of health and other essential supplies from the agency to Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Reports from the WHO indicate that hospitals in the Gaza Strip are presently reliant on backup generators, with fuel reserves projected to be depleted in the imminent future. Furthermore, supplies positioned by WHO prior to the recent escalation have been entirely depleted. “The life-saving health response is now contingent on the rapid replenishment of supplies and fuel to healthcare facilities,” emphasized the agency.
In response, the WHO is swiftly moving to procure medical provisions locally to address the escalating demand while simultaneously preparing supplies from its central hub in Dubai. Additionally, the WHO has expressed deep concern for the health and well-being of hostages taken from Israel by Hamas, advocating for their safe release.
Meanwhile, in Myanmar, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has unequivocally asserted that those responsible for the deadly bombing of displaced civilians in northern Myanmar must be held accountable. Reports from media sources indicate that approximately 30 individuals, predominantly women and children, lost their lives on Monday in an airstrike targeting a camp for internally displaced people in Kachin State.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric conveyed the Secretary-General’s deep apprehension regarding the reports, stating, “The Secretary-General condemns all forms of violence, including the military’s intensifying attacks throughout the country, which continue to fuel regional instability. He continues to urge neighboring countries, in particular, to wield their influence.” Dujarric further emphasized that the UN chief reaffirms the imperative to shield civilians in accordance with established international humanitarian law.
