Geneva
The head of the World Health Organization, in a deeply emotional appeal, called for Israel to show “mercy” amid the ongoing Gaza War, suggesting that a peaceful resolution would ultimately benefit Israel. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed that the conflict was damaging to Israel and wouldn’t lead to lasting peace.
“One can truly sense the anguish of those in Gaza right now. It’s palpable—you can almost hear the distress,” he remarked, linking the current suffering to PTSD among the population. He stressed the immorality of using food and medical supplies as weapons.
On Thursday, the United Nations started delivering roughly 90 trucks of aid to Gaza for the first time since Israel enforced a total lockdown on March 2. Tedros emphasized that only political solutions can yield genuine peace.
“The plea for peace is fundamentally aligned with Israel’s best interests. The ongoing war is detrimental to Israel itself, as it does not lead to a sustainable solution,” he stated. “I urge you to show mercy; it’s beneficial for you, the Palestinians, and for humanity at large.”
Emergency manager Michael Ryan highlighted that around 2.1 million people in Gaza are facing “immediate death threats.” He urged an end to starvation, the release of all hostages, and the restoration of healthcare services.
Ryan, speaking from personal experience as a former hostage, noted the pain families endure while hostages remain captive. Meanwhile, the WHO reported a critical shortage of food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and shelter in Gaza. Notably, four major hospitals halted services last week due to dangers in the area.
The UN Health Agency conveyed that just 19 out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are operational, with staff working under incredibly challenging circumstances. “At least 94% of all hospitals in the Gaza Strip are either damaged or destroyed,” stated a representative from North Gaza, adding that almost all healthcare resources have been depleted.
The report indicated that only 2,000 hospital beds are available across the Palestinian territories, a number grossly inadequate for current needs. “The destruction has become systematic. Facilities are rebuilt and resupplied, only to be attacked or exposed to hostilities again. This vicious cycle must come to an end.”
