Geneva (Web Desk/Agencies): Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Saturday issued a grave warning about the catastrophic conditions in northern Gaza, which has been severely impacted by ongoing military conflict.
He highlighted that "intensive military operations" are occurring both around and within healthcare facilities, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
In a statement shared on X, Tedros described the circumstances in northern Gaza as alarming, emphasizing the critical shortage of medical supplies and the severely restricted access to healthcare.
This situation is depriving countless individuals of essential lifesaving treatment.
He specifically mentioned the plight of Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last remaining operational medical facility in the northern region, which was reportedly stormed by Israeli forces on Friday.
According to the Gaza health ministry, this incursion in the Jabalia camp, a site of major Israeli military activity, resulted in the deaths of two children and led to the detention of hundreds of staff members, patients, and displaced persons.
The Israeli military confirmed that operations were ongoing around Kamal Adwan but claimed they were unaware of any live fire or strikes near the hospital.
Amid the chaos, the WHO temporarily lost contact with its personnel stationed at the facility. However, the Gaza health ministry later reported that the siege had come to an end, though it had exacted a heavy toll.
On Friday, WHO also revealed that three healthcare workers and another employee sustained injuries during the assault, and many health workers were taken into custody.
At that moment, approximately 600 people, including patients and medical staff, were seeking refuge in the hospital.
Following the detention of 44 male staff members, only female personnel, the hospital director, and one male doctor remained to care for nearly 200 patients in urgent need of medical attention.
Tedros expressed deep concern over reports that hospital facilities and medical supplies were damaged or destroyed during the siege, labeling such developments as "deplorable."
The ongoing violence continues to aggravate the already critical healthcare crisis in Gaza, putting countless lives at risk and highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian support.
