WHO says no functioning hospitals left in northern Gaza amid Israel's offensive against Hamas

The World Health Organisation (WHO) claimed on Thursday that there were no longer any operational hospitals in the northern portion of the besieged enclave because of a shortage of fuel, personnel, and supplies, as Israel escalated its onslaught against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The health body stated that only nine of the 36 facilities in Gaza are operational.

This followed an Israeli military attack on Gaza’s Ah-Ahli hospital, which resulted in the hospital’s closure and the reported detention of physicians, nurses, and patients. On October 18, a devastating explosion occurred at the same hospital, leaving hundreds of people dead.

“WHO and UN partners undertook another high-risk joint mission today to Al-Ahli Arab and Al-Shifa hospitals in northern Gaza. Our teams delivered medicines, IV fluids and supplies for surgery, treating the wounded, and supporting women giving birth,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on X.

“Until two days ago, Al-Ahli was northern Gaza’s last hospital functioning where injured people could undergo surgery. But our team learned today that its operating theatres are no long functioning due to the depletion, or complete absence, of specialists, power, fuel, water, food and medical supplies,” he added.

The WHO further reported that 80 injured patients, including elderly and young children seeking refuge in a church on the hospital grounds and in the orthopaedic department, are being treated by about ten medical professionals who are still providing basic first aid, pain relief, and wound care. In addition, Ghebreyesus forewarned that without medication and other necessities, every patient would pass away “slowly and painfully”.

According to Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative in Gaza, the bodies of victims of recent Israeli attacks were arranged in the hospital’s courtyard since they could not be given a dignified and safe burial. Some patients at Al-Ahli were weeks away from having surgery, and if they had, they ran the danger of developing an infection after the procedure since there weren’t enough antibiotics or other medications.

(With agency inputs)