WHO likens Gaza to a 'death zone'
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated in a briefing on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, "Gaza has become a death zone."
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As Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip continue for the 138th day, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has made a statement regarding the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.
Ghebreyesus stated that the health and humanitarian situation in Gaza is inhumane and continues to deteriorate, saying, “Over the past three days, WHO and its partners have conducted several emergency missions to the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza.
Approximately 111 patients and injured individuals, along with at least 15 doctors and nurses, remain in the hospital. Since the intensive care unit is no longer functional, WHO has assisted in the transfer of patients, many of whom are unable to walk,” he said.
Emphasizing from a broader perspective that Gaza has become a death zone, Ghebreyesus said, “A large part of the region has been destroyed, more than 29 thousand people have died, many more are estimated to be missing, and many more are injured.
Since the war began, the rate of severe malnutrition has increased dramatically, rising from under 1 percent to over 15 percent in some areas, putting more lives at risk. This figure will continue to rise as the war persists and supplies are disrupted,” he said.
"HOSPITALS ARE FORCED TO CLOSE"
Stating that they are watching with concern the World Food Programme's inability to get aid into northern Gaza, Ghebreyesus said, “What kind of world do we live in where people cannot find food and water, or where people who cannot walk cannot receive care? What kind of world do we live in where health workers are at risk of being bombed while doing their jobs? What kind of world do we live in where hospitals are forced to close because there is no more power or medicine to help save patients, and are targeted by military force?" he said.
Calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Ghebreyesus said, “We need a ceasefire now. We need the release of hostages, an end to the bombardment, and unhindered humanitarian access. Humanity must prevail,” he said.