WHO statement on Al-Shifa Hospital

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that they have re-established communication with Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip, stating, “Sadly, the hospital is no longer functioning as a hospital.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has re-established contact with Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest and central hospital in the Gaza Strip, which has been under intense attack by Israel. In his statement, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that he had managed to get in touch with health workers at Al-Shifa Hospital, saying, “The situation is dire and perilous.”

Stating that the hospital has been without electricity, water, and has had very poor internet for 3 days, Ghebreyesus expressed that this has severely impacted its ability to provide basic care.

Noting that the constant fighting and bombardment in the area have further worsened already critical conditions, Ghebreyesus said, “Tragically, the number of patient deaths has increased significantly. Sadly, the hospital is no longer functioning as a hospital. The world cannot stand silent while hospitals, which should be safe havens, are transformed into scenes of death, devastation, and despair. Ceasefire. Now.”

The WHO had previously announced that its connections with Al-Shifa Hospital had been completely severed.

News Source: İHA