Zurich – On December 30, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) called for an immediate halt to attacks on hospitals in Gaza, following recent Israeli strikes and raids on medical facilities. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the severe threat to Gaza’s health system, stating, “Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds and the health system is under severe threat.”
In a post on X, Dr. Tedros urged, “Stop attacks on hospitals. People in Gaza need access to healthcare. Humanitarians need access to provide health aid. Ceasefire!”
The Israeli military reported targeting Hamas militants at Gaza City’s Al Wafa hospital on December 29, resulting in seven fatalities, according to the Palestinian civil defense. Additionally, Israeli forces detained over 240 Palestinians, including medical staff from Kamal Adwan hospital, on December 27. Among those detained was the hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who is suspected of being a Hamas operative.
Dr. Tedros, who narrowly escaped an Israeli strike on Yemen’s main airport last week, called for Dr. Abu Safiya’s immediate release and condemned the attacks on Al-Ahli hospital. He also noted that the WHO and its partners had delivered essential medical supplies, food, and water to the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza and transferred 10 critical patients to Al Shifa hospital, though four patients were detained during the transfer.
“We urge Israel to ensure their healthcare needs and rights are upheld,” Dr. Tedros said.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza has resulted in at least 45,514 Palestinian deaths and 108,189 injuries since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.