The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the urgent need for over $10 billion to restore Gaza’s healthcare system, devastated by months of conflict. This announcement follows reports of a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which could significantly enhance humanitarian aid efforts in the region.
Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, expressed hope in a statement from Jerusalem, emphasizing the challenges ahead due to severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. Plans are underway to increase aid deliveries to 500-600 trucks daily, a significant jump from the current 40-50 trucks and comparable to pre-war levels.
The ceasefire, described as “a sign of hope” by Peeperkorn, paves the way for temporary prefabricated clinics and hospitals to address the urgent needs of over 12,000 patients awaiting specialized care, including a third who are children. However, evacuation approvals remain slow, with just 2.4% of 1,200 requests approved between November and December 2024.
Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 46,000 people have died, and 110,000 have sustained injuries, many life-altering. Critical health infrastructure continues to be targeted, with only 18 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals currently operational and 664 healthcare facilities attacked since October.
WHO aims to implement an ambitious 60-day emergency health response plan, prioritizing temporary clinics, disease surveillance, malnutrition prevention, and the provision of essential supplies. The health crisis has been compounded by the spread of disease, a high risk of famine, and limited access to vital resources like fuel for hospital generators.
International agencies stress the need for immediate and substantial global support to rebuild the shattered health infrastructure and address broader humanitarian priorities, including food, water, and shelter. Despite the dire circumstances, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for relief and recovery in the besieged enclave.
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