GENEVA: The UN health agency on Tuesday said Israel should let it stock medical supplies to deal with a “catastrophic” health situation in Gaza before it seizes control of Gaza City.
Israel has said its military would “take control” of Gaza City in a plan approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet that sparked a wave of global criticism.
“We want to stock up, and we all hear about ‘more humanitarian supplies are allowed in’ — well it’s not happening yet, or it’s happening at a way too low a pace,” said Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization’s representative in the Palestinian territories.
Fifty-two percent of medicines were running at zero stock, Peeperkorn said, speaking from Jerusalem.
UN agencies warned last month that famine was unfolding in Gaza, with Israel severely restricting aid entry.
Peeperkorn said the WHO was able to bring in fewer supplies than it wanted “due to the cumbersome procedures” and products “still denied” entry — a topic of constant negotiation with the Israeli authorities.
“We want to as quickly stock up hospitals... following the news — the whole discussion about an incursion in Gaza,” he said.
“We currently cannot do that... We need to be able to get all essential medicines and medical supplies in.”
Peeperkorn said only 50 percent of hospitals and 38 percent of primary health care centers were functioning, and that too partially.
Bed occupancy has reached 240 percent capacity in the Al-Shifa hospital and 300 percent Al-Ahli Hospital in northern Gaza.
“The overall health situation remains catastrophic,” he said. “Hunger and malnutrition continue to ravage Gaza.”
Peeperkorn said 148 people died from the effects of malnutrition this year, citing August 5 as the cut-off date.
Nearly 12,000 children aged under five were identified to be suffering from acute malnutrition in July — the highest monthly figure recorded to date in Gaza, Peeperkorn said.
These include 2,562 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, of whom 40 were hospitalized at stabilization centers.
WHO wants more aid in Gaza before Israeli occupation
https://arab.news/z585a
WHO wants more aid in Gaza before Israeli occupation
- UN agencies warned last month that famine was unfolding in Gaza, with Israel severely restricting aid entry
- Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative, said only 50 percent of hospitals and 38 percent of primary health care centers were functioning
US envoy to UN discusses Jordan’s humanitarian aid for Gaza
- Prince Rashid bin El-Hassan, along with UN and US delegation, inaugurated new JHCS logistics operations center
- US Ambassador to UN Mike Waltz’s visit aims to remove bureaucratic obstacles to support Gaza’s humanitarian operations in the coming period
LONDON: Prince Rashid bin El-Hassan, chairman of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, met with US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz to discuss Jordan’s aid efforts for the Gaza Strip.
During the meeting, attended by representatives from UN agencies in Jordan and a delegation from the US Embassy in Amman, Prince Rashid emphasized Jordan’s commitment to continuing its humanitarian efforts in support of Gaza through international partnerships.
The meeting also discussed ways to improve the Jordanian relief corridor and to eliminate all obstacles, ensuring efficient delivery of aid to the Palestinian coastal enclave.
Prince Rashid, along with the UN and US delegation, inaugurated the new JHCO logistics operations center.
Waltz highlighted the US partnership with Jordan, recognizing its role in delivering humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. He mentioned that US assistance includes tents, blankets, medical supplies, food, and flour, according to the Petra news agency.
Waltz emphasized that the ceasefire and the implementation of the agreement, along with the release of hostages, are vital for Gaza’s reconstruction, enhanced security, and expanded humanitarian aid efforts.
He said his visit aims to remove bureaucratic obstacles to support humanitarian operations in the coming period, Petra reported.
