WHO: 'Israel's attack on Rafah is unacceptable'

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared a post on the social media platform X regarding the attack.

Noting that they condemn the airstrike on May 26 that killed 45 displaced Palestinians sheltering in tents in Rafah, in the south of Gaza, Ghebreyesus stated, "Those injured in the attack were transferred to WHO-supported trauma stabilization points, which are already at full capacity, as well as other field hospitals in Rafah."

Stating that violence continues to escalate in Rafah, Ghebreyesus noted that 1 million displaced people have been displaced once again and are "in search of a safety that does not exist in Gaza."

Pointing to the negative situation created by the Rafah Border Crossing being closed since May 6, fuel shortages, problems in the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as the frequent delay and denial of aid missions, Ghebreyesus stated that this situation limits their ability to support the health system.

'A CEASEFIRE MUST BE REACHED'

Emphasizing that only one-third of the hospitals in Gaza are partially functional, Ghebreyesus stressed that these are struggling to meet needs due to a lack of sufficient supplies, equipment, fuel, and exhausted staff.

In his post, Ghebreyesus included the following statements: "Open the Rafah Border Crossing. Ensure that aid workers can proceed in a timely manner. Protect civilians and health services. A ceasefire must be reached."

WHAT HAPPENED?

The ICJ, the UN's judicial organ, ruled in its provisional measures decision on May 24 that Israel must immediately halt its attacks on Rafah, not obstruct humanitarian aid, and allow UN officials to enter Gaza to investigate its crimes.

Despite the provisional measures decision taken by the International Court of Justice, Israel bombed the tents of displaced Palestinians in Rafah on May 26, and it was reported that at least 45 Palestinians, including 23 women, children, and the elderly, lost their lives and 249 Palestinians were injured in the attack.

Eyewitnesses said, "The Israeli military's bombardment caused many tents in the camp to collapse and burn. This camp is not located in the area that the Israeli military ordered to be evacuated in the city of Rafah, where thousands of displaced Palestinians live."

Witnesses stated that Israeli warplanes carried out the attack on the camp with at least 8 rockets.