A child is dying in Gaza every 10 minutes: World Health Organization

A child gazes towards the destroyed home in the aftermath of the rocket attack in Gaza. November 3 footage: Reuters.

 In the Gaza Strip of Palestine, a child is being killed every 10 minutes, according to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Speaking at the United Nations Security Council yesterday, he stated, "No place in Gaza is safe, and no one is safe."

Dr. Ghebreyesus mentioned that half of Gaza's 36 hospitals and two-thirds of the primary health care centers in the area are no longer operational. Even those hospitals and primary health care centers that are still active are on the verge of being overwhelmed. He also described the healthcare system in Gaza as being on the "brink of collapse."

The WHO chief emphasized that the health infrastructure in Gaza is "on the verge of destruction." He painted a grim picture of the situation, indicating that both the operational and the remaining facilities are facing severe challenges.

The safety council of 15 members reports that the corridor of Gaza's hospital is crowded with the deceased, injured, and unhealthy individuals. The situation extends to the sidewalks, and the road is blocked. Emergency treatment is being provided without the use of anesthesia or proper medical procedures. Thousands of displaced people are seeking refuge in the hospital.

Since October 7, the Hamas, a pro-independence group in Palestine, initiated an attack on Israel. Subsequently, Israeli forces have been launching air raids on Gaza. Israel claims that Hamas members have killed at least 1,200 people and taken more than 240 individuals into custody. In response, Israel has carried out aerial attacks on Gaza and initiated a ground campaign.

According to Gébrayessus, since October 7, more than 250 incidents of attacks on health centers in Gaza and the West Bank have been monitored by the WHO. On the other hand, Israel has reported 25 incidents of attacks on its healthcare infrastructure. Israel alleges that Hamas has hidden weapons beneath the hospital, a claim denied by Hamas.

In the Tigre region of Ethiopia, the resident Gebreysus says, "What is the situation of the children of Gaza? I also had this experience in my childhood."

WHO chief states, "The best way to assist healthcare workers and the general public is to provide them with necessary health services. Ensure the supply of their medicines, medical supplies, and keep the generators running to maintain the functionality of hospitals."