The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued an urgent warning about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, alerting that hospitals in the region have once again become “battlefields.” In a recent statement, he highlighted that the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip is facing a “serious threat” following a series of recent attacks.
Tedros mentioned that the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, located in the northern part of the strip, is still missing after an Israeli raid that left the medical center inoperable. “We call for his immediate release,” he stated, reflecting the growing concern surrounding the safety of healthcare workers in this conflict-ravaged area.
The Israeli attack not only resulted in the closure of the hospital but also forced the evacuation of both medical staff and patients, many of whom were in critical condition. They were transferred to Indonesian Hospital, which is also out of operation due to damage. In response to this crisis, the WHO and its allies have sent medical supplies, food, and water to Indonesian Hospital and have managed to transfer ten critical patients to Al-Shifa Hospital. However, this transfer was marred by controversy as it was reported that four patients were detained on the way.
The WHO director appealed to Israel to respect the rights of patients and healthcare professionals. In this context, seven patients, accompanied by fifteen caregivers and healthcare workers, remain at Indonesian Hospital, which has suffered severe damage and is unable to provide adequate care.
Furthermore, it was reported that Al-Ahli Hospital and Al-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital were also affected by attacks on the same day, rendering them inoperable. Tedros called on the international community to cease attacks on healthcare facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for the population of Gaza to access medical care and humanitarian assistance.
Meanwhile, a group of UN experts called for Israel to be held accountable for its actions, stating that the country has repeatedly violated international humanitarian law. The specialists alleged that crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians and the use of hunger as a coercive tool in the conflict.
The situation in Gaza is escalating amid a climate of increasing tension, as the international community grapples with a dilemma on how to respond to violations of international law. Calls for a ceasefire are mounting, with a particular emphasis on the protection of human rights and access to medical care, issues that require immediate attention and action.
via: MiMub in Spanish
