GAZA: The people of Gaza are trapped in an unrelenting humanitarian crisis, with food, water, shelter, and medical supplies running out, warns the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr Rik Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, described the worsening situation as a “nightmare,” with the population’s ability to cope diminishing rapidly.
Speaking at a video press briefing in Geneva, he highlighted the dire impact of the ongoing blockade on aid since March 2 and the resumption of airstrikes. Forced displacement orders have left hundreds of thousands without homes, further worsening the unrelenting humanitarian crisis.
Healthcare services are on the brink of collapse. More than half of Gaza’s hospitals are at over 80% bed occupancy, struggling to treat the rising number of casualties. Critical trauma care supplies, including intravenous fluids and antibiotics, are urgently needed.
Gaza’s blood banks are running dangerously low, with fewer than 500 units available, despite the need for at least 4,500 units per month to treat the injured. Without immediate aid, the humanitarian situation will only deteriorate.
The WHO continues to call for unrestricted humanitarian access to deliver essential supplies and medical assistance. However, with aid blockages persisting and bombardments ongoing, relief efforts remain severely hampered. The crisis shows no signs of easing, leaving the people of Gaza in desperate need of international support.
