The World Health Organization (WHO) urged on Friday for access to patients in the Gaza Strip and the ability to evacuate them for necessary treatment amid the pressures faced by medical teams caring for the sick and injured after 11 days of fighting. Fatoumata Sheaib, the organization's spokesperson in Geneva, stated that around 600 patients, some with chronic illnesses, needed to be transported outside the area since the fighting began this month; however, this has not been possible due to the closure of crossings. She emphasized, "It is very important that we assist Palestinians in obtaining the care they need, especially helping them with treatment outside the Gaza Strip."
She pointed out that the organization has a presence on the ground in the area but cannot confirm whether it can access the region at this time. Other relief organizations have also complained about the difficulties in delivering humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Gaza. The Israeli bombardment has caused damage to dozens of medical centers, which led the WHO to warn of the severe pressure on health facilities.
Helen O'Brien Patterson, head of the Médecins Sans Frontières mission in Gaza, told reporters this week, "The health system's capacity to deal with the situation has completely collapsed." She mentioned that an organization team had to "force its way through debris and glass" to reach the Ministry of Health compound this week. Relief workers have raised concerns about a potential rise in COVID-19 infections following the recent clashes due to the large gatherings of people who were displaced seeking shelter from the bombardments.
