Israel-Hamas conflict: WHO pledges $10 mn to support civilians in Gaza
Israel-Hamas conflict: The World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged USD 10 million in aid to civilians affected by Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas.
During a virtual media briefing on Thursday, WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus voiced significant worry about the situation and called for immediate action to protect the health and well-being of civilians on all sides.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opened his address by expressing the WHO team's surprise and regret over the Israel-Gaza war.
"Like the rest of the world, all of us at WHO have been shocked, appalled and saddened by the conflict in Israel and Gaza. The attacks by Hamas and other armed groups on the 7th of October that targeted Israeli civilians were horrific and unjustifiable," he stated.
Simultaneously, WHO expressed deep concern for the health and well-being of civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the devastation of bombardment and a long-standing siege. The WHO director-general condemned the attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza and Israel, which resulted in the deaths of health workers and patients.
"At the same time, WHO is gravely concerned about the health and well-being of civilians in Gaza, who are suffering from bombardment and siege. I also deplore the attacks on health care in both Gaza and Israel, which have led to deaths and injuries of health workers and patients on both sides. Under international humanitarian law, all armed actors are obliged to actively protect health care. The bomb that struck the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday night, and the loss of life it caused, regardless of who was responsible, cannot be tolerated."
He emphasized that all armed actors are required by international humanitarian law to actively defend healthcare infrastructure.
"Despite the airstrikes and the risks to their own security, the WHO team in Gaza has delivered lifesaving medical supplies, sufficient to care for 2000 patients. But much more is needed."
- ANI
