In a strong statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called on Israel to release a senior Gazan doctor and to stop targeting hospitals in the besieged territory. The demand comes as the ongoing conflict in Palestine continues to escalate, with the recent violence causing significant damage to healthcare infrastructure and putting the lives of innocent civilians at risk.
Dr. Tedros’ call for action comes after the Israeli military launched an attack on a hospital in the Gaza Strip last week, damaging the facility and disrupting the vital medical services it provided to the local community. This is not the first time such an attack has occurred in the region, and the WHO has documented a disturbing pattern of targeting healthcare facilities and personnel in Gaza. These attacks not only violate the fundamental principles of medical neutrality but also put patients and medical staff in grave danger.
The Director-General expressed his concern for the safety and well-being of Dr. Ayman Abu Harbid, a senior doctor and neurologist at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, who was arrested by Israeli forces on June 7th. Dr. Abu Harbid is a highly respected and dedicated healthcare professional who has been providing essential medical services to the people of Gaza for many years. The WHO chief’s call for his immediate release was met with widespread support and condemnation of this unjust arrest.
The ongoing conflict in Palestine has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with thousands of injured and displaced people in urgent need of medical assistance. Healthcare facilities in Gaza are struggling to cope with the overwhelming demand for services, with limited supplies, equipment, and medical personnel. The ongoing bombardments and attacks on hospitals only exacerbate the already dire situation, making it nearly impossible for medical professionals to provide life-saving care to those in need.
The WHO has been working tirelessly with its partners to support the healthcare system in Gaza and ensure the delivery of critical medical services to affected communities. However, the continuous targeting of healthcare facilities and personnel hinder these efforts and prevent the provision of essential healthcare to those who need it the most.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for immediate action to protect healthcare facilities and personnel in Gaza. He urged all parties involved in the conflict to respect the principles of medical neutrality and ensure the safe passage of healthcare workers and patients. He also stressed the importance of providing unhindered access to medical supplies and equipment to save lives and prevent further deterioration of the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The WHO chief’s demand for the release of Dr. Abu Harbid and the cessation of attacks on hospitals in Gaza is a crucial step towards ending the suffering of innocent civilians in the region. It also sends a strong message to the international community that the protection of healthcare facilities and personnel is a top priority during times of conflict and crisis.
The world is looking to Israel to fulfill its obligations under international law and ensure the safety and security of all civilians, including healthcare workers. As the leading authority on global health, the WHO will continue to monitor the situation in Gaza closely and provide support to the healthcare system, but it is up to all parties involved to take immediate action to end the violence and protect the lives of innocent people.
In conclusion, the WHO chief’s demand for Israel to release Dr. Abu Harbid and stop targeting hospitals in Gaza is a powerful call for action. It represents the will of the international community to put an end to the violence and protect the health and well-being of all people, regardless of their origin or political affiliations. The WHO stands ready to work with all parties involved to ensure the delivery of essential healthcare services and support the people of Palestine in their time of need. Let us all join forces to ensure that the healing power of healthcare remains untainted by the horrors of war.
