Gaza is experiencing a health catastrophe that will last for generations to come, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that a massive increase in aid is needed to begin to address the complex needs of the Strip's population. Israel has allowed more medical supplies and other aid to cross into Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect on 10 October, but Dr. Tedros said levels are below those needed to rebuild the territory's healthcare system.
His intervention comes as the US attempts to shore up the ceasefire it helped to broker following an outbreak of violence at the weekend. The agreement has been described by the White House as the first phase of a 20-point peace plan that includes an increase to the amount of aid entering Gaza, and supplies distributed without interference from either side.
Dr. Tedros welcomed the ceasefire deal but said the increase in aid that followed has been smaller than expected. He highlighted that Gazans have faced famine, overwhelming injuries, a collapsed healthcare system, and outbreaks of disease due to the disruption of water and sanitation infrastructure. He stated that restricted access to humanitarian aid contributes to the catastrophic situation.
The WHO chief noted that the combination of famine and rampant mental health issues signifies a crisis that will affect generations. Tom Fletcher, of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, indicated that although aid groups are beginning to address the starvation crisis, further substantial support is urgently needed.
Despite some supplies entering Gaza, such as more than 6,700 tonnes of food since 10 October, significantly more is required to meet the daily target of 2,000 tonnes. The WHO emphasized the need for 600 aid lorries each day, whereas current averages hover between 200 and 300.
Both the international community and Dr. Tedros have criticized the use of aid as a bargaining tool, underscoring that such constraints worsen the humanitarian situation. He reiterated that the focus must be on unconditional humanitarian access. Additionally, he stressed that the US holds responsibility for ensuring compliance among all parties involved in the ceasefire deal.
The ongoing military campaign in Gaza, launched in response to a deadly attack by Hamas on 7 October, has led to a staggering loss of life, with Gaza's health ministry reporting over 68,000 fatalities since the campaign began. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the need for immediate and unrestricted aid becomes increasingly critical.
His intervention comes as the US attempts to shore up the ceasefire it helped to broker following an outbreak of violence at the weekend. The agreement has been described by the White House as the first phase of a 20-point peace plan that includes an increase to the amount of aid entering Gaza, and supplies distributed without interference from either side.
Dr. Tedros welcomed the ceasefire deal but said the increase in aid that followed has been smaller than expected. He highlighted that Gazans have faced famine, overwhelming injuries, a collapsed healthcare system, and outbreaks of disease due to the disruption of water and sanitation infrastructure. He stated that restricted access to humanitarian aid contributes to the catastrophic situation.
The WHO chief noted that the combination of famine and rampant mental health issues signifies a crisis that will affect generations. Tom Fletcher, of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, indicated that although aid groups are beginning to address the starvation crisis, further substantial support is urgently needed.
Despite some supplies entering Gaza, such as more than 6,700 tonnes of food since 10 October, significantly more is required to meet the daily target of 2,000 tonnes. The WHO emphasized the need for 600 aid lorries each day, whereas current averages hover between 200 and 300.
Both the international community and Dr. Tedros have criticized the use of aid as a bargaining tool, underscoring that such constraints worsen the humanitarian situation. He reiterated that the focus must be on unconditional humanitarian access. Additionally, he stressed that the US holds responsibility for ensuring compliance among all parties involved in the ceasefire deal.
The ongoing military campaign in Gaza, launched in response to a deadly attack by Hamas on 7 October, has led to a staggering loss of life, with Gaza's health ministry reporting over 68,000 fatalities since the campaign began. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the need for immediate and unrestricted aid becomes increasingly critical.
