As the situation in Rafah deteriorates, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, has voiced grave concerns over the collapsing healthcare system in southern Gaza, particularly highlighting the dire situation at Al-Najjar Hospital, which has ceased operations due to nearby military activities.
This hospital’s closure exacerbates the already critical condition in the area, with only two remaining hospitals struggling to cope with the increasing number of casualties and lack of resources.
The ongoing closure of the border crossing is a significant hurdle, preventing the United Nations from transporting essential supplies like fuel, which is vital for maintaining humanitarian operations. The lack of fuel has brought hospitals to the brink, with only three days’ supply left, threatening to completely halt medical services to thousands of civilians in need.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing out that the Rafah military operation not only hampers immediate humanitarian efforts but also poses long-term repercussions on the health and well-being of Gaza’s residents. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for opening the borders to allow unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. The continued military operations, coupled with the blockade, have made living conditions in Gaza untenable, with severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies.
The international community is urged to intervene and facilitate dialogue among the conflicting parties to restore peace and ensure that aid can reach those in desperate need. The situation calls for a concerted global response to prevent a humanitarian disaster of unprecedented scale in Gaza.
