By Atoyebi Nike
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Israel to urgently allow the stockpiling of medicines and medical supplies in Gaza, warning of a “catastrophic” health crisis ahead of Israel’s planned takeover of Gaza City.
Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative in the Palestinian territories, said on Tuesday that 52 per cent of essential medicines are out of stock and aid entry remains severely restricted. “We want to stock up… but it’s not happening yet, or it’s happening at a way too low a pace,” Peeperkorn told reporters from Jerusalem.
The appeal follows Israel’s announcement that its military will “take control” of Gaza City, a plan approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet that has drawn international condemnation.
According to WHO data, only half of Gaza’s hospitals and just 38 per cent of primary healthcare centres remain partially functional. Bed occupancy has surged to 240 per cent at Al-Shifa Hospital and 300 per cent at Al-Ahli Hospital.
Peeperkorn said malnutrition is worsening, with 148 deaths recorded this year from hunger-related causes. Nearly 12,000 children under five were identified with acute malnutrition in July, the highest monthly figure yet, including 2,562 cases of severe acute malnutrition.
“The overall health situation remains catastrophic,” Peeperkorn warned, stressing that cumbersome procedures and denied entry of medical goods are hampering lifesaving work.
