Less than half of the region’s hospitals are operating, as warned by the organization’s general director, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
The (WHO) estimates that at least US$10 billion will be needed to restore the na system. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the Palestinian territories, highlighted the magnitude of the needs, with more than US$3 billion needed for the health sector alone in the first 18 months. He emphasized the severity of the destruction, stating that he had never witnessed anything similar in his entire life.
The situation is worsened by the fact that less than half of Gaza’s hospitals are operating, as WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned. He celebrated the announcement of the deal as a positive development, expressing hope that this agreement could mark the end of one of the darkest periods in Israeli-Palestinian relations. Tedros highlighted that although the news brings relief, it is also accompanied by sadness because it has come too late for many victims of the conflict. He argued that if both sides are committed to the ceasefire, it must be implemented immediately as the best medicine is peace.
Despite the progress in negotiations, Tedros warned of the need for caution, remembering that previous agreements did not materialize. The WHO reiterated its readiness to rapidly expand its support in Gaza, but emphasized the importance of removing political and security obstacles that impede the rapid, safe and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid.
Published by Luisa Cardoso
