WHO Calls for End to Attacks on Hospitals in Gaza

ZURICH (Reuters) – The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, urged an end to attacks on hospitals in Gaza following recent strikes and raids by Israel.

> "Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds and the health system is under severe threat," Tedros stated on his social media account.

He emphasized the need for access to health care and humanitarian aid, insisting on a ceasefire.

Israeli military strikes targeted the Al Wafa hospital, reportedly killing seven, while over 240 Palestinians were detained at the Kamal Adwan hospital, including medical staff and its director, Hussam Abu Safiya. Israel claims the hospital was used by Hamas as a command center.

Tedros called for Abu Safiya's immediate release and mentioned that the Al-Ahli hospital had also faced attacks. The WHO has delivered medical supplies, food, and water to various hospitals in Gaza, and transferred critical patients to Al Shifa hospital, though four patients were detained during the process.

He urged Israel to uphold the healthcare rights of those in Gaza, highlighting the severe toll of the conflict as at least 45,514 Palestinians have died and 108,189 have been injured since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.