Dr. Hanan Balkhi, Director of the United Nations Health Organization’s Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, briefed reporters in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, on the situation in the war-torn Palestinian Territory and Lebanon, as well as in Sudan and other countries.
He said that in the last few days the fear of escalation of violent conflict has come true and due to this the situation in the Middle East region is going from bad to worse.
“We call for an immediate, sustainable ceasefire and the uninterrupted delivery of life-saving aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon and Sudan.”
Food security experts have warned that famine is imminent in northern Gaza, where UN agencies have described the situation as catastrophic. According to him, the situation here has not changed, but has worsened.
“Amidst the ongoing violence, we are working tirelessly to keep hospitals operational and evacuate patients who need specialized treatment.
The United Nations Health Organization and partner agencies have evacuated 90 patients and 139 relatives to the United Arab Emirates and Romania.
In the past three weeks, WHO, together with its partners, has conducted seven missions in northern Gaza, including five to Kamal Adwan Hospital. Many more missions were planned, but permission was not obtained.
Hospitals are also provided with medical supplies to maintain healthcare facilities. During one mission, the UN team delivered vital supplies to a hospital amid intense bombing. The agency reiterated that no place in the Gaza Strip is truly safe.
UNRWA has no choice
Dr. Hanan Balkhi said that no discussion on Gaza could be complete without mentioning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which is playing a vital role in providing vital services there.
“As the Director-General of the World Health Organization has emphasized, UNRWA has no choice.”
“I would like to take this moment to recognize the dedication of UNRWA staff, as health and humanitarian professionals work tirelessly for their communities in unimaginable circumstances.”
“Our work and the work of other partners in the Occupied Palestinian Territory would not have been possible without them.”
Displacement center inspection
Meanwhile, Sigrid Kag, the United Nations Coordinator for Humanitarian Assistance and Reconstruction in Gaza, visited a displacement center run by UNRWA in West Gaza City on Saturday.
The senior UN official met with families and children displaced by the war and spoke to families trying to get medical treatment.
He also visited Christian synagogues, Orthodox churches and Latin monastery churches in Gaza City, where many displaced families have taken refuge.