The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a stark warning over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, describing hospitals as “on the brink of collapse” amid Israel’s ongoing military assault.

In a statement posted on X, Dr. Tedros condemned the forced evacuations and military incursions in northern Gaza, which he said are creating new waves of displacement. “The military incursion and evacuation orders in northern Gaza are driving new waves of displacement, forcing traumatised families into an ever-shrinking area unfit for human dignity,” he said.

Dr. Tedros highlighted the plight of the most vulnerable, including the injured and people with disabilities, who are unable to move to safer areas. “This puts their lives in grave danger,” he added.

Hospitals in Gaza, already overwhelmed by the relentless Israeli bombardment, face imminent collapse as access for medical supplies and personnel becomes increasingly restricted. Dr. Tedros emphasized that WHO efforts to deliver lifesaving aid are being blocked by escalating violence.

“We call for an immediate end to these inhumane conditions. We call for a ceasefire,” he wrote, urging the international community to intervene and protect civilians from what he described as a mounting humanitarian catastrophe.

The WHO chief’s statements underscore the critical state of Gaza’s healthcare system, which has been pushed to its limits by Israel’s campaign, leaving civilians trapped, injured, and without access to essential medical care.

Humanitarian organizations have echoed these warnings, describing the situation as a looming medical and human disaster, and calling for urgent international action to halt the violence and allow the delivery of aid to Gaza’s besieged population. (ILKHA)