WHO Calls for Humanitarian Corridor to Help Gaza

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to deliver essential supplies to the population of the Gaza Strip and to facilitate the evacuation of those in need of medical care.

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The WTO Director Tedros Ghebreyesus was in Egypt when the conflict erupted between Israel and the Islamist Hamas movement. The WHO spokesperson in Geneva, Tarik Jasarevic, could not confirm whether the director was able to address this issue with national authorities.

The Rafah crossing, on the border with Egypt, is the only exit from Gaza that is not under Israeli control. At present, there is no clarity on whether it is open or not, as Egyptian and Israeli authorities have given conflicting reports on its status.

Jasarevic stated that when the conflict began, supplies were pre-positioned in seven major hospitals in Gaza, but these have now been depleted. As a result, preparations are underway for the rapid purchase of emergency materials totaling US$1 million.

Meanwhile, Palestinian hospitals, with assistance from WHO, have activated hospital emergency plans to manage the increased number of casualties, although the healthcare system is operating beyond its capacity.

In Israel's attacks on Gaza, four health workers have been killed, six have been injured, nine ambulances have been damaged, and eight healthcare facilities have been affected.

WHO has been unable to verify attacks on healthcare facilities in Israel because this country is not part of its monitoring system.

However, Israel's National Emergency Organization has reported the death of a paramedic and an attack on Ashkelon Hospital, where hostilities began.