Tedros calls for protection of health facilities in Gaza

GENEVA - The World Health Organization (WHO) chief on Thursday called for the protection of health facilities in Gaza, saying these facilities must never be militarized or attacked.

In a social media post, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described those health facilities as "lifelines" for people in Gaza.

"Our call remains unchanged: allow unhindered humanitarian access and let more medical and humanitarian supplies enter Gaza," he said.

Tedros noted that since October 2023, WHO has documented 1,056 attacks on health care in Gaza, resulting in 1,010 deaths and 1,725 injuries.

Health needs in Gaza remain immense and will only grow as winter sets in, he stressed, adding that rain, flooding and cold will worsen living conditions and raise the risk of disease amid crippled water and sanitation systems.

WHO has reported another deadly attack on health care in Gaza. Early Thursday, the surgery department of Nasser Medical Complex was hit, leaving six deaths - including a health worker, patients and their companions - and injuring at least 27 others. The department is reportedly extensively damaged. Assessment of the full impact is ongoing.