WHO calls for full Gaza access during Israel-Hamas truce for humanitarian aid

Photo : AFP

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it is ready to send important help to Gaza during the truce between Israel and Hamas. But the WHO said it needs "full access" to all parts of Gaza to do this. The war that lasted for more than a year has badly damaged Gaza's health system.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the leader of the WHO, welcomed the truce. He said it gives "hope" to many people who have suffered from the fighting. But he also warned that fixing Gaza’s health system will be very hard. The damage is huge, and there are many problems in getting help to the people who need it. The WHO said it needs the chance to move freely across Gaza to send help. They also need to remove the restrictions that stop important supplies from getting into Gaza.

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Before the truce, Israel controlled how much and what kind of help could enter Gaza. The WHO said that fixing the health system will cost billions of dollars over the next few years. It has already estimated that it will cost more than $10 billion.

In Gaza, many hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. Only half of the 36 hospitals are still working, and only 38% of health centers are still open. The WHO said the war has killed more than 46,600 people and hurt more than 110,000. Many of those who were injured will need treatment for the rest of their lives.

The WHO also said that about 12,000 people need to be moved to other places for urgent treatment. They also warned that the breakdown of law and order in Gaza, including problems caused by armed groups, is making it harder to get the needed help into the area.