The United Nations has issued a stark warning that Israeli attacks in Gaza are dismantling crucial means of survival for the Palestinian people. On Monday, UN humanitarian agencies reported that continuous assaults on healthcare facilities, emergency services, and civilian areas are crippling essential infrastructure in the region.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced the closure of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza following an Israeli raid and the detention of its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. Patients in critical condition were evacuated to the non-functioning Indonesian Hospital, raising concerns about their well-being.
“Hospitals have become battlegrounds, and the health system is under severe threat,” Dr. Tedros stated. He called for an immediate halt to attacks on medical facilities and urged for the protection of healthcare workers and patients. The whereabouts of Dr. Abu Safiya remain unknown, prompting calls for his immediate release.
Amid the chaos, WHO and its partners managed to deliver essential medical supplies, food, and water to the Indonesian Hospital. They also transferred ten critical patients to Al-Shifa Hospital, but during the transfer, four patients were reportedly detained. “We urge Israel to ensure their healthcare needs and rights are upheld,” Dr. Tedros appealed.
OCHA reported that humanitarian access across Gaza is systematically hindered. Since Friday, over 60% of UN-coordinated movements have been denied or impeded by Israeli authorities. Aid workers face significant obstacles, and in southern Gaza, armed looting of relief convoys has affected dozens of truckloads of supplies, further endangering drivers and delaying assistance to those in need.
The ongoing conflict and restrictions continue to paralyze humanitarian operations, leaving families without adequate food, shelter materials, or clothing as winter approaches. “It should not require breaking a siege to help survivors in critical need,” OCHA emphasized. “Aid workers must be granted safe and unhindered access to assist people wherever they are.”
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UN agencies say Israeli attacks in Gaza dismantle means of survival
cgtn.com
