During a special session of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Morocco called for an urgent and tangible de-escalation in Gaza, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and hospitals. Omar Zniber, the Permanent Representative of Morocco to Geneva, highlighted the importance of smoothly delivering humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and equipment in sufficient quantities to the people of Gaza.
The Moroccan diplomat affirmed the WHO’s duty to maintain its leading role in alleviating the devastating effects of the war in the Gaza Strip in the coming days and months. This involves mobilizing necessary resources for immediate healthcare and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the health system in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza.
Zniber pointed out that coordination with humanitarian and developmental actors is more desirable than ever to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. This includes allocating human and financial resources urgently and enhancing partnerships with other United Nations agencies, such as UNRWA and its partners in the occupied territories.
He alerted that this extraordinary session occurs amid severe social, economic, and health fragility in the occupied Palestinian territories and a health and humanitarian collapse in Gaza following prolonged armed clashes. These have resulted in the deaths and injuries of thousands of unarmed civilians and the destruction of infrastructure and medical facilities.
In conclusion, Zniber emphasized that “considering the commitment to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law in all circumstances, we find ourselves at a crucial turning point requiring firmness and responsibility from everyone to put an end to Israeli aggressions in the occupied Palestinian territories.”
