to report «iusnews»; The regional directors of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) called for urgent international action to end the ongoing Israeli attacks against hospitals in Gaza.
They expressed horror at the latest reports of attacks against and in the vicinity of Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital, Al-Shifa and Al-Quds Hospitals, and others in Gaza City and in the North, killing many civilians, including children. They stressed that Intense Israeli attacks surrounding several Hospitals in Northern Gaza are preventing safe access for health staff, the injured, and other patients, WAFA news agency reported.
Premature and newborn babies on life support are reportedly dying due to power, oxygen, and water cuts at Al-Shifa Hospital, while others are at risk. Staff across several hospitals are reporting a lack of fuel, water, and basic medical supplies, putting the lives of all patients at immediate risk, they stressed in a joint statement.
Over the past 36 days, WHO has recorded at least 137 Israeli attacks on health care in Gaza, resulting in the killing of 521 and the injury of 686 others, including the killing of 16 members of the health staff and the wounding of 38 others.
It said that Israeli attacks on medical facilities and civilians are unacceptable and are a violation of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law and Conventions.
“They cannot be condoned. The right to seek medical assistance, especially in times of crisis, should never be denied,” it added.
More than half of the hospitals in the Gaza Strip are closed. Those still functioning are under massive strain and can only provide very limited emergency services, lifesaving surgery, and intensive care services. Shortages of water, food, and fuel are also threatening the well-being of thousands of displaced people, including women and children, who are sheltering in hospitals and their surroundings, said the joint statement issued by Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa; Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, and Laila Bakr, Regional Director of the United Nations Population Fund for the Arab States.
“The world cannot stand silent while hospitals, which should be safe havens, are transformed into scenes of death, devastation, and despair. Decisive international action is needed now to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, prevent further loss of life, and preserve what’s left of the health care system in Gaza. Unimpeded, safe, and sustained access is needed now to provide fuel, medical supplies, and water for these lifesaving services,” the statement said.
