Gaza is facing a “health catastrophe” that will affect generations to come, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has told the BBC.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said a massive increase in aid is needed to meet the Strip’s growing humanitarian and medical needs.
Aid levels far below requirements
Although Israel has allowed more supplies into Gaza since the 10 October ceasefire, Dr Tedros said aid levels remain insufficient to rebuild the healthcare system.
He described famine, disease and overwhelming injuries as a “fatal combination” creating a Gaza health catastrophe.
WHO calls situation catastrophic
Dr Tedros said restricted humanitarian access and widespread mental health problems have made the crisis “catastrophic and beyond words.”
He urged Israel to “de-link” aid from the conflict, saying assistance should not be “weaponised.”
UN: aid still below target
The UN World Food Programme said just 6,700 tonnes of food had entered Gaza since the ceasefire — far below its 2,000-tonnes-a-day goal.
Tedros estimated 600 aid lorries a day are needed and called for all crossings to reopen.
Rebuilding Gaza’s health system
Thousands are waiting for medical evacuation flights, and 700 people have already died while waiting, he said.
Reconstruction could cost $70bn, with around 10% needed for health services.
“Peace is the best medicine,” Dr Tedros added.
Also read: Turkey sends teams to search for hostage remains in Gaza
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