WHO chief reiterates call for Gaza ceasefire, says medical aid to enclave ‘drop in the ocean’
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Roshan Amiri
- . February 12, 2024
- . Update: February 13, 2024 12:05 am
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a critical point, with the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizing the dire situation during his address at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Amid ongoing conflict and devastation in the region, Tedros reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
Humanitarian Urgency in Gaza
The WHO chief highlighted the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza, where essential medical supplies are desperately needed but remain insufficient. Tedros described the current level of medical aid reaching the enclave as “only a drop in the ocean of need,” underscoring the urgent requirement for increased support and resources to address the escalating crisis.
Call for Ceasefire and Access to Humanitarian Aid
Tedros reiterated WHO’s call for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Gaza, emphasizing the necessity for safe access to humanitarian personnel and supplies. He urged for the release of hostages held by Hamas and stressed the importance of halting hostilities to allow for the delivery of essential aid to those in need.
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Concerns over Attacks on Rafah and Healthcare Infrastructure
Expressing deep concern over recent Israeli attacks on Rafah, where a significant portion of Gaza’s population has sought refuge, Tedros highlighted the devastating impact on civilian lives and infrastructure. He noted that the majority of Gaza’s hospitals are either partially or minimally functional, placing immense strain on healthcare workers who are operating under challenging conditions.
Despite efforts to deliver medical supplies to Gaza, Tedros emphasized that the quantity provided thus far is inadequate to meet the growing demands of the population. With only a fraction of the required supplies reaching those in need, urgent action is required to scale up humanitarian assistance and ensure access to essential healthcare services.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. The prolonged duration of the conflict, now entering its fifth month, has further strained resources and infrastructure, posing immense challenges to the delivery of critical aid and services.
Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic
Tedros highlighted the failure to learn crucial lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, warning that the world remains ill-prepared for future health crises. Stressing the inevitability of another pandemic, he underscored the importance of global cooperation and preparedness to effectively respond to emerging health threats and mitigate their impact on communities worldwide.
Addressing Misinformation and Promoting International Collaboration
Addressing misinformation surrounding international negotiations on pandemic preparedness and response, Tedros emphasized the need for countries to collaborate and share information, knowledge, and resources to combat global health challenges effectively. He rejected accusations of a “power grab” by WHO, emphasizing the importance of collective action to safeguard public health and prevent future pandemics.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to alleviate the suffering of civilians and provide essential medical aid and services. With ongoing conflict and limited access to healthcare, urgent action is needed to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and support the wellbeing of those affected by the crisis.
