The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the closure of the 750-bed Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City due to Israeli Defense Forces’ actions. WHO spokesperson Dr. Margaret Harris stated that aid teams had been waiting for days for Israeli permission to reach the hospital, which had been subjected to “horrific levels of violence.” The facility is now in ruins, with at least 21 patients reportedly dying during the siege. Medical staff had to move patients to an office space within the hospital grounds, where they lacked basic necessities like water and food.
The WHO is working to secure permission to access Al-Shifa and other remaining health facilities in northern Gaza to provide crucial supplies, including medicines, fuel, and food. Dr. Harris emphasized the need to assess the situation and determine how to provide relief to the severely injured and sick patients. However, access to the facilities has been consistently denied, hindering the organization’s ability to deliver essential aid. The WHO is also working on evacuation plans for patients in need of urgent care.
The closure of Al-Shifa and the safety concerns for aid operations in Gaza were further highlighted by the reported killing of seven aid workers in an Israeli airstrike on a World Central Kitchen vehicle in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths condemned the attack, describing the victims as heroes who were killed while trying to feed starving people. The WHO confirmed that the NGO’s mission had been approved by Israeli authorities, and the vehicle was clearly marked as belonging to World Central Kitchen.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of healthcare workers and tens of thousands of civilians, with a majority being women and children. The constant Israeli bombardment, launched in response to Hamas-led terror activities, has caused immense suffering and destruction in the region. The WHO is working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected by the conflict, but access restrictions and safety concerns continue to pose significant challenges to their efforts.
The closure of Al-Shifa hospital and the tragic killing of aid workers highlight the urgent need for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza. The WHO, along with other humanitarian organizations, is calling for an end to the violence and for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and the delivery of essential aid. The situation in Gaza remains dire, and immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of those affected by the ongoing conflict.
