Fikri Karavil, President of the Orphans Foundation, has urgently called on international powers to establish a "medical corridor" for Gaza, highlighting that addressing the ongoing health crisis in the besieged territory requires more than the efforts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Speaking to Ilke News Agency (ILKHA), Karavil detailed the dire conditions under which medical teams are operating in Gaza. He cited the destruction of several hospitals and the overwhelming number of people awaiting surgery and treatment as critical issues. The Orphans Foundation, in collaboration with international aid organizations, has been actively coordinating medical teams and humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, Karavil emphasized the limitations of these efforts.

“Our brothers and sisters we have sent are currently providing treatment and humanitarian aid in Gaza,” Karavil said. “But this is like a drop in the sea. During their stay, 3-4 hospitals were destroyed. The needs of the people far exceed what NGOs can address.”

He underscored the necessity of a concerted international initiative to open a medical corridor, warning of the daily deaths of children, babies, and women due to the lack of food, medical supplies, and basic health services. Karavil stressed that the situation in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe that cannot be resolved without international intervention.

“This is not a task for NGOs alone; it requires an international effort,” he said. “Otherwise, humanity is dying alongside the babies and women in Gaza.”

The Orphans Foundation plans to send additional medical teams to Gaza in February 2025, with current personnel set to remain there until January 10. However, Karavil reiterated that these efforts must be bolstered by a broader, unified response to address the escalating health crisis.

As Gaza continues to endure severe shortages of medical supplies, food, and essential services under a prolonged blockade, Karavil’s call for international action highlights the urgent need for a global response to alleviate the suffering of its residents. (ILKHA)