The World Health Organization (WHO) has disclosed that a child loses their life every 10 minutes in Gaza, painting a harrowing picture of the ongoing crisis. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, delivered a chilling account to the UN Security Council on Friday, declaring that “nowhere and no one is safe” in the embattled region.
Unbearable Reality of Gaza’s Health System
Ghebreyesus spared no detail as he described the dire situation on the ground, highlighting the immense strain on Gaza’s health system. He revealed that the health infrastructure is on the verge of collapse, with over 250 attacks on health centers in Gaza and 25 in Israel since the conflict erupted last month. Shockingly, more than 100 UN colleagues have lost their lives in the crossfire.
The WHO head emphasized that Gaza’s health system is crippled, with half of its 36 hospitals and two-thirds of primary healthcare centers non-functional. Even the operational facilities are overwhelmed, operating well beyond their capacities. The situation has resulted in hospitals conducting surgeries without anesthetics, a stark reminder of the desperate circumstances facing the healthcare providers and the people they serve.
Hospitals Under Siege: A Disturbing Account
Gaza’s hospitals, typically places of healing and refuge, are now under siege. Ghebreyesus pointed out the alarming fact that a child succumbs to the conflict every 10 minutes, a statistic that underscores the urgency of international intervention. Hospitals, meant to be sanctuaries, are operating on the edge, facing unprecedented challenges in delivering basic healthcare.
Transitioning from one distressing detail to another, the WHO head conveyed the gravity of the situation by stating that Gaza’s health system is not only on its knees but teetering on the brink of collapse. The attacks on healthcare facilities have left medical professionals grappling with unimaginable conditions, trying to save lives amidst a relentless onslaught.
International Outcry as WHO Sounds the Alarm
As the WHO sounded the alarm on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, international condemnation has been swift. Governments, humanitarian organizations, and concerned citizens worldwide are expressing their outrage and demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities. The shocking revelation that a child loses their life every 10 minutes has spurred urgent calls for a ceasefire and concerted efforts to protect civilian lives.
Transitioning from the heartbreaking statistics, Ghebreyesus implored the international community to take immediate action, stressing that the relentless attacks on health centers not only jeopardize the lives of the people in Gaza but also undermine the broader global efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
