The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a devastating humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza hospitals, with children dying of starvation due to severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicines.
During an aid mission to the Al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals over the weekend, the WHO witnessed horrifying scenes that highlighted the dire situation.
According to WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus, the visits to these hospitals were the first since early October 2023, despite ongoing efforts to gain regular access to the north of Gaza. Ghebreyesus described the situation at Al-Awda as particularly appalling, with one of the buildings destroyed. The Kamal Adwan hospital, the only pediatrics facility in northern Gaza, was overwhelmed with patients.
Tragically, the lack of food has already resulted in the deaths of 10 children, according to the WHO Chief. The United Nations had previously warned of an impending famine in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing war that started after Hamas militants carried out an unprecedented attack inside Israel on October 7.
In addition to the critical shortage of food, WHO chief Tedros also highlighted the severe impact of the lack of electricity on patient care, particularly in critical areas such as the intensive care unit and the neonatal unit.
As part of the weekend mission, the WHO delivered 9,500 litres of fuel to each hospital, along with essential medical supplies. However, this assistance represents only a fraction of the urgent and lifesaving needs in the region.
Tedros reiterated an appeal to Israel to ensure the safe and regular delivery of humanitarian aid. He emphasized the immediate need for scaled-up assistance to civilians, especially children, and health staff. Ultimately, he stressed that the most crucial medicine these patients need is peace and called for a ceasefire.
The situation in northern Gaza’s hospitals demands immediate attention and action to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable population.