WHO: Gaza aid ban crippling hospitals

April 11, 2025 / 10:36 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Dr Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, has warned that the ongoing ban on humanitarian aid to Gaza is critically affecting the organisation’s ability to support hospitals across the Strip.

Depleting medical supplies

Speaking via video at a press briefing in Geneva, Peeperkorn said WHO’s supplies of essential medicines and equipment are rapidly running out amid escalating violence. Hospitals are struggling without vital items such as antibiotics, insulin, intravenous fluids, and surgical tools.

Critical shortages in WHO warehouse

The WHO's central warehouse is facing alarming shortages of items including blood units, hypertension medications, cancer treatments, autoimmune disease medications, and surgical kits for complex procedures. There’s also a lack of basic supplies like inhalers, catheters, and sutures.

Worsening conditions and fewer medical teams

Peeperkorn noted further complications due to the reduced number of international emergency medical teams in Gaza — dropping from 97 to 68 — because of entry restrictions. He emphasised that WHO is ready to deliver aid but warned that the situation in hospitals is becoming increasingly dire.