World Health Organization warns of imminent starvation in Gaza

GENEVA, May 19 (YPA) – The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned of the risk of famine in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing Israeli blockade.

He pointed out that two million Palestinians are suffering from hunger as a result of the prevention of the entry of humanitarian aid and the detention of more than 116,000 tons of food supplies at the crossings.

This came during the opening of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. Ghebreyesus emphasized that the two-month blockade has exacerbated the suffering, especially with the ongoing military escalation, forced evacuations, and the blocking of humanitarian supplies, which has led to the deterioration of the already dilapidated health system.

Despite the difficulties, the organization has succeeded in implementing a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, but Ghebreyesus stressed that the continuity of the health system is impossible due to the bombing and collapsed infrastructure.

At the same meeting, Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa was elected president of the session, which focused on achieving health equity amid humanitarian crises including Gaza and Sudan.

Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli occupation aggression on Gaza has continued, with more than 174,000 casualties, mostly women and children. Reports warn of a “historic famine catastrophe” due to Israeli restrictions that have completely destroyed the food and health system.

YPA