Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has emphasized that the violence “will not be solved with bullets and bombs” but through dialogue, understanding, compassion, and peace. Ghebreyesus made these remarks during a meeting in Cairo, Egypt, where he discussed humanitarian efforts to address the dire situation resulting from the conflict.
Humanitarian Aid through Rafah Crossing:
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has agreed to assist the WHO in delivering humanitarian supplies to Gaza through the Rafah Crossing, which is the only entry point from Egypt. This crucial humanitarian support aims to alleviate the suffering of people in Gaza, who are enduring the consequences of the recent conflict.
Logistics and Cooperation:
The WHO plans to transport supplies from its logistics hub in Dubai to Egypt and collaborate with the Palestine Red Crescent Society, a part of the International Red Cross, to ensure that the supplies reach healthcare facilities in Gaza. This cooperative effort is a significant step in providing much-needed aid to the region.
A Call for Peace:
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of peace and compassion in addressing the current situation. He described the conflict as a tragic chapter in a story where there are no winners. The toll of the violence has been devastating, with casualties on both sides and thousands of injuries.
The Conflict’s Toll:
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas began when Hamas militants stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns. This surprise attack occurred during a major Jewish holiday, resulting in roughly 1,300 deaths, split nearly evenly between Israel and Gaza, with thousands more injured.
Continued Violence:
Despite calls for restraint and humanitarian assistance, the conflict continues. Israel has targeted over 1,000 locations in Gaza, and Palestinian militants continue to fire rockets, causing alarm in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
UN’s Concerns:
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern about the conflict’s impact on civilians on both sides and condemned the fatalities and hostage-taking by Hamas. He also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where a significant portion of the population is now seeking shelter in UNRWA-run sites. Guterres raised alarms about Israeli missile strikes on schools, health facilities, and apartment buildings and criticized Israel’s decision to initiate a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, predicting further deterioration in the already dire humanitarian situation.
Challenges in Gaza:
Gaza faces the challenge of extremely limited healthcare resources, exacerbated by Israeli blockades. Patients, caretakers, and health workers require permits to access healthcare facilities outside Gaza, and delays in obtaining these permits have been a longstanding issue. These challenges have dire consequences, as some patients do not receive timely access to care.
Conclusion:
The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to inflict suffering on civilians in the region. The international community, including the WHO and the UN, is working to provide humanitarian aid and call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. These efforts are essential in addressing the urgent humanitarian needs and striving for a lasting peace in the region.
