At least 20 people, including four health workers and five journalists, were killed, according to WHO Managing Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a tweet. Fifty others were injured, including patients already receiving care.
Health care under attack
“While the inhabitants of Gaza are hungry, their access to health care is further paralyzed by repeated attacks,” said Tedros. “We cannot stress enough: stop the attacks on health care. Ceasefire now.” He mentioned that the main hospital building, housing the emergency department and surgical unit, was hit, damaging the emergency staircase.
Global indifference and inaction
UNRWA head also reacted on social media. “Silencing the last remaining voices reporting children dying in silence and famine amid global indifference and inaction is shocking,” stated General Commissioner Philippe Lazzarini. He urged for compassion, saying, “Let us combat this armed famine by opening doors without restrictions,” emphasizing the need for political will now. The UN recently reported over 240 journalists killed in Gaza since the start of the war two years ago, after Hamas attacks on Israel. About 1,200 people were killed, and 250 hostages were taken to the enclave, some still captive.
Guterres calls for investigation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the fatal airstrikes and called for a swift, impartial investigation. “These latest murders highlight the extreme risks medical staff and journalists face as they perform their vital work in this brutal conflict,” said UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric. The UN’s Office for Humanitarian Affairs Coordination (OCHA) connected a journalist’s work with the dire situation in Gaza. The Secretary-General emphasized that medical staff and journalists should operate without interference, in line with international humanitarian law, and renewed his call for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office expressed deep regret over the incident at Nasser Hospital.
Famine propagation
Deaths in Gaza have surpassed 61,000, according to local health authorities. Last week, food security experts confirmed famine is establishing in the Gaza governorate, anticipating it to spread. The Gaza Ministry of Health reported 11 malnutrition-related deaths in the last 24 hours, totaling 300.
The displacement deepens
People across the enclave continue relocating for safety. Humanitarian workers reported 5,000 people displaced from northern Gaza to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis between August 20 and 24, with about 8,000 others moving west of Gaza City. New displacements have exceeded 800,000 since the ceasefire ended in mid-March.
Obstructions to help delivery
Aid convoys to Gaza face delays and challenges. On Sunday, only seven out of 15 missions requiring Israeli coordination went through, including fuel collection at the Kerem Shalom crossing for distribution. OCHA reported four missions were canceled or outright denied by Israeli authorities; others were initially approved but obstructed in the field, affecting food and vaccine collections.
Pending education
While children globally return to school, those in Gaza miss out on education. Several educational facilities used as shelters were attacked last week. With final exams for over 35,000 high school students approaching in two weeks, the UN and partners urge for the protection of educational facilities per international law, according to OCHA.
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