WHO express deep concern about continuing hostilities in Rafah

CAIRO – 28 May 2024: The World Health Organization is deeply concerned about the continuing hostilities in Rafah and calls for the protection of civilians, especially women and children, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, said.

“The number of deaths has exceeded 36,000. There must be a ceasefire now. We demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire to secure sustainable entry for humanitarian workers, humanitarian aid and medical supplies,” Ghebreyesus added

He explained that the capacity of hospitals in Rafah has been severely reduced, and emergency medical teams coordinated by the World Health Organization are still working on the ground to provide support as much as possible.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the Israeli bombing that targeted the tents of displaced civilians in Rafah, and demanded that the human suffering in Gaza Strip stop immediately. He also called on Israel to open all crossings in the Strip.

Guterres stressed that the Israeli authorities must facilitate the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip safely and without obstacles.

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, has called on Israeli occupation authorities to halt their raids and military operations in Rafah.

He emphasized the necessity of conducting a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the Israeli airstrikes that targeted displaced persons' tents in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip. These airstrikes tragically resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, including women and children, and left many others injured.

According to the United Nations News Centre, Wennesland reiterated the call of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages to alleviate the suffering of civilians.

The UN Peace Envoy pointed out that the ongoing events exacerbate the already fragile situation on the ground and pose a risk to the entire region. The UN Secretary-General had previously condemned the Israeli actions that resulted in the deaths of numerous innocent civilians who were seeking refuge from the deadly conflict, stating, "There is no safe place in Gaza."