By Blessing Chinagorom
The World Health Organization WHO has welcomed the extension of the humanitarian pause in the conflict in Gaza, and the release of hostages and prisoners by both sides.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedro Ghebreyesus who disclosed this at Press Briefing on Wednesday said pause enabled the organization increase deliveries of medical supplies in Gaza, and to transfer patients from Al-Shifa hospital to other hospitals south of the Wadi Gaza.
It was reported that Qatar has been engaged in intense negotiations, with support from Egypt and the United States, to extend the truce in Gaza that was originally due to last four days.
The gas-rich Gulf state announced late on Monday, the day of the truce’s expiry, that successful talks with Israel and Hamas had resulted in a two-day extension.
It was added that the truce which has ensured a pause of bombing of civilians in Gaza for the first time in 7 weeks, and the safe release of some of the hostages and detained children.
While over the initial four-day pause, 50 civilian hostages — all women and children — were freed in return for 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Speaking further, the DG said that during the first three days of the pause, WHO received 121 pallets of supplies into our warehouse in Gaza, including IV fluids, medicines, lab supplies, medical disposables, and trauma and surgical supplies.
Which he said is enough to support about 90, 000 people. “However, much more is needed. We continue to call for a sustained ceasefire so that aid can continue to be delivered to end further civilian suffering”.
Ghebreyesus noted the call for the remaining Israeli hostages to be released, and for those who are still being held to receive medical care they need. “WHO’s greatest concern remains supporting Gaza’s health system and health workers to function”.
According to him, “Only 15 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are still functioning at all, but are completely overwhelmed. For example, European Gaza Hospital is currently operating at triple its capacity.
“Of the 25 hospitals north of the Wadi Gaza before the conflict began, only three are functioning at the most basic level, but they lack fuel, water and food. The remaining health system capacity must be protected, supported and expanded.
“The health needs of the population of Gaza have increased dramatically, but they are now being serviced by one third of the hospitals and primary care clinics. And with severe overcrowding, the risks are increasing for epidemics of respiratory tract infections, acute watery diarrhea, hepatitis, scabies, lice and other diseases.
“WHO is working to support Gaza’s health system and health workers in every way we can. Together with partners, distributing supplies, coordinating emergency medical teams to provide extra clinical capacity for existing hospitals, and establishing standalone field hospitals in strategic locations”, he said.
WHO DG thanked partners who are working with the organization but repeatedly said that emergency medical teams and field hospitals can only complement Gaza’s health system, not replace it. “The priority is to support the Gaza’s health workers, hospitals and clinics to do their jobs”, he said.