The World Health Organization (WHO) representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, Rick Peeperkorn, has renewed calls for the opening of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing in southern Gaza.
He warned of diminishing supplies in Gaza and condemned the Israeli attack on displaced persons’ tents in Rafah, underscoring the lack of any safe place in Gaza.
According to the United Nations Information Centre on Thursday, Peeperkorn noted that since the closure of the Rafah crossing, only three trucks have entered Rafah through the Kerem Shalom crossing. “Fortunately, we still have some supplies, but they are rapidly depleting,” he said.
Peeperkorn highlighted that since the closure of the Rafah crossing, there have been no medical evacuations out of Gaza. He added that there is currently no place in Gaza where severe burns can be treated.
Despite distributing large quantities of essential emergency medical supplies, the WHO representative described the situation in Gaza as a “massive catastrophe.”
“When there is a permanent ceasefire, properly managed entry routes to Gaza, and a coordination and notification mechanism that genuinely facilitates and supports, much can be achieved,” Peeperkorn stated.
This comes as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported ongoing widespread Israeli bombardment, with ground incursions and heavy fighting affecting the northern, central, and southern parts of Gaza.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that humanitarian aid flow to Gaza has dropped by 67% since May 7, due to the closure of the Rafah crossing, the inability to transfer materials to the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, and limited deliveries through other crossings.
He explained that health, humanitarian relief, and social services in Rafah are being forced to close one by one due to the escalating conflict, insecurity, evacuation orders, and the need to redirect resources to areas where displaced persons are seeking shelter.
Despite the intensifying hostilities, the UN and its partners continue to do everything possible to support hospitals with vital supplies, though only the Emirati Maternity Hospital in Rafah remains partially operational.
Dujarric emphasized the need for a humanitarian ceasefire, stating that civilians need it to feel safe, access essential humanitarian aid, secure the release of detainees, and end their ordeal.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus reported that amidst the ongoing intense hostilities, the WHO and its partners managed to reach Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, marking the first mission to northern Gaza since May 13.
On his social media account, Tedros announced the delivery of 15,000 litres of fuel, 14 beds, and medicines and supplies for trauma treatment to cover the needs of 1,500 people.
