WHO chief deems Gaza medical aid \’essential\’
WHO Highlights Gaza’s Dwindling Health System
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored the urgency of a steady stream of medical aid into Gaza, as WHO trucks advanced toward the border on Wednesday.
Logistics of Aid Delivery
- 10 trucks moved from El‑Arish in Egypt to Israel’s Kerem Shalom crossing, carrying essential medicines, laboratory and water‑testing supplies.
- Two additional trucks with medical supplies and 12 pallets of blood products are scheduled to join on Thursday.
- Following the initial convoy, three more trucks loaded with medical supplies from health partners will be forwarded into Gaza.
WHO’s Call for Uninterrupted Access
“The health needs in Gaza are immense. A continuous flow of medical supplies is critical,” Tedros said on X. He further called for “sustained, safe, and unhindered access for medical aid into and across Gaza” and urged for a ceasefire, adding that “peace is the best medicine.”
Israel’s Blockade and Recent Aid Measures
- Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza on March 2 after ceasefire talks collapsed.
- In late May, the blockade was partially eased, allowing a small trickle of aid amid warnings of widespread starvation.
- This week, Israel paused daily military operations in selected Gaza areas and opened secure routes for UN agencies and other aid groups to distribute food to the densely populated territory of over two million people.
WHO’s Assessment of Gaza’s Health System
The WHO reports that airstrikes and a scarcity of medical supplies, food, water and fuel have virtually depleted Gaza’s already under‑resourced health system. Many hospitals have ceased operations, while others are barely functioning. Provision of essential health services—from maternal and newborn care to chronic condition treatment—has been severely compromised.
Truck Delivery Timeline
- 9 trucks entered Gaza on June 25.
- 4 trucks on June 28.
- 11 trucks on July 8.
- 6 trucks on July 20.
A WHO spokesman told AFP that none of the trucks were looted since the resumption of supplies.
