Ceasefire Provides ‘Lifeline’ but Gaza Hospitals Still in Ruins

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged the cessation of hostilities but emphasized that the crisis persists with significant needs. The conflict’s aftermath is severe: over 170,000 people injured, including 5,000 amputees and 3,600 with severe burns. At least 42,000 require long-term care, and 4,000 women face unsafe childbirth monthly.

Psychological wounds

Tedros highlighted the mental impact, stating, “An estimated one million people need mental health care.” He described a health system near collapse, noting, “There are no fully functioning hospitals in Gaza, and only 14 out of 36 operate at all,” amid critical shortages of essentials.

Post-ceasefire, WHO has increased support by sending medical supplies, deploying emergency teams, and facilitating evacuations. “Yesterday, 41 patients and 145 companions were evacuated to various countries,” Tedros said, acknowledging over 20 nations for accepting evacuees.

700 dead waiting for evacuation

With 15,000 patients needing external treatment – including 4,000 children – over 700 have died while awaiting evacuation. Tedros urged reopening the Rafah crossing and restoring medical referrals to the West Bank for urgent care and aid delivery.

Though aid flow has risen, Tedros noted it’s insufficient, with much aid stalled at Egypt’s Al-Arish, pending Rafah’s reopening. The UN’s 60-day ceasefire plan seeks $45 million for essential health services and reconstruction support. Gaza’s health system rebuild requires “at least $7 billion,” Tedros added. “WHO will continue aiding Gaza for a healthier, safer future.”

Aid and access

In New York, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq reported increased relief efforts. A UN team accessed Gaza City’s Az Zaitoun for the first time post-ceasefire, finding over 200 returning families in dire conditions. Residents walk up to two kilometers for water, urgently needing food, clean water, and winter necessities.

UN agencies maintain vital aid deliveries. The World Food Programme is providing fortified snacks to students, and over 140 trucks of supplies entered Gaza recently. UNICEF delivered baby diapers, and UNOPS distributed nearly 160,000 liters of fuel for humanitarian needs. “The ceasefire is a lifeline,” Tedros stated, “but Gaza’s health system and its people continue to struggle for survival.”