Staggering health needs emerge in Gaza, following Israel-Hamas conflict

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that it has provided essential medicines for trauma care and supported ambulance services for more than 2,000 injured people in Gaza, while a ceasefire holds between Hamas and Israel, after 11 days of rocket fire and airstrikes by both sides during last month. 

Triage and treatment 

Ten WHO triage and treatment tents have also been set up outside six emergency departments in Gaza, but the situation remains “volatile”, said Dr. Rik Peeperkorn WHO Head of Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). 

Last month’s hostilities resulted in the death of 278 Palestinians and over 9,000 injuries, with a reported 12 Israeli lives lost also and more than 700 injured. Over 77,000 people in Gaza were internally displaced and around 30 health facilities were also damaged, WHO said.  

COVID threat 

With COVID-19 still a threat, the agency reported that it had supported the delivery of more than 260,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the territory through the UN-led equitable vaccine distribution, COVAX. 

As of 31 May, 337,191 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 3,765 deaths have been reported in the OPT – with positive cases increasing in Gaza in recent weeks. 

“Palestinians’ lives are deteriorating; many of the people affected by the conflict are in urgent need of aid and face other health threats like COVID-19”, said Dr. Peeperkorn. 

Emergency appeal 

On 20 May, WHO launched an appeal for $7 million to support its health operations over the next six months. 

The funds will be focused on trauma and emergency care, mental health and psychosocial services, advocacy, and essential health services including for COVID-19.  

To date, only $2.3 million has been received. 

“WHO is working to support the Palestinian health system and its partners in its emergency humanitarian response and calls for the support of the international community in these efforts”, underscored the UN’s OPT office head.