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Gaza ceasefire: $10bn needed to restore healthcare system — WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that over $10 billion is required to restore Gaza’s devastated healthcare system.
The announcement comes amid reports that Israel’s security cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, which could facilitate a major increase in aid deliveries.
WHO’s representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, expressed cautious optimism, highlighting that the ceasefire could enable the entry of 500 to 600 aid trucks daily in the coming weeks, a significant rise from the 40-50 trucks that have been reaching Gaza in recent months.
Dr. Peeperkorn referred to the ceasefire as “a sign of hope,” although he cautioned that the challenges ahead are immense. Gaza continues to face severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies, with many essential health services compromised.
The WHO has prepared for immediate action, including the shipment of temporary prefabricated hospitals and clinics, as part of efforts to expand capacity and address urgent health needs.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with over 46,000 fatalities and more than 110,000 injuries since the conflict began in October 2023.
The risk of disease outbreaks and famine is high, and a third of the 12,000 patients awaiting evacuation are children in need of specialized care. Evacuations have been frustratingly slow, with only 29 of 1,200 requests approved in recent months.
In the face of these challenges, the WHO is pushing forward with a 60-day emergency health response plan, which includes setting up temporary clinics and scaling up medical efforts to tackle malnutrition, disease, and the urgent need for medical supplies.
However, the path to recovery remains uncertain without significant international aid to support both healthcare restoration and broader humanitarian needs, including food, clean water, and shelter.
With Gaza’s healthcare system in shambles and critical infrastructure under constant attack, the international community’s involvement is crucial to prevent further loss of life and to stabilize the region’s healthcare capabilities.
