The World Health Organization has called for safe passage for humanitarian aid missions in Gaza after a recent mission to Kamal Adwan and Awda hospitals in northern Gaza was only partly completed. UN agencies and aid groups are struggling to deliver vital aid due to ongoing hostilities, Israeli military restrictions on goods, and the breakdown of order inside Gaza.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of WHO, stated that the mission was delayed at checkpoints and faced ongoing hostilities, which prevented fuel and medical supplies from reaching Kamal Adwan for the second time in seven days. Additionally, partners were unable to assess needs at Awda hospital to support the restoration of services. Despite these challenges, the team managed to evacuate four patients, including a 9-year-old boy with a head tumor.
The head of WHO reiterated the need for compliance with international humanitarian law, stressing access to health care and humanitarian aid for civilians in desperate need. He also called for a cease-fire to address the worsening situation in Gaza. Israel has isolated northern Gaza since the ground offensive in late October, leading to severe shortages of food and water as well as the displacement of tens of thousands of people from the area.
The failure of an aid team to complete its recent trip to northern Gaza has highlighted the difficulties faced by UN agencies and aid groups trying to deliver vital aid due to ongoing hostilities, Israeli military restrictions on goods, and the breakdown of order inside Gaza. With many parts of coastal enclave facing critical shortages of basic necessities such as food and water, it is becoming increasingly difficult for these organizations to provide adequate support to those who need it most.
It is crucial that international leaders work together to find a peaceful solution that respects international humanitarian law and ensures that civilians have access
