Appel urgent de l’OMS pour protéger deux des derniers hôpitaux de Ghaza
Urgent Call by WHO for Protection of Gaza Hospitals
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a plea to the Israeli authorities for immediate protection of Al-Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals, the last two operational public hospitals in Khan Younès, Gaza. This announcement was made via the social media platform X.
WHO emphasizes that without these hospitals, which serve the majority of the local population, access to essential health services would be severely compromised. The organization has warned that the healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, with Al-Nasser being the largest functioning referral hospital in the region. Currently, there are no operational hospitals in northern Gaza, further underscoring the severity of the situation.
The organization has noted that Al-Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals have not been ordered to evacuate; however, they are located within or near a designated evacuation zone announced by Israeli authorities on June 2. WHO warns that if conditions deteriorate further, these hospitals are at high risk of becoming non-functional due to movement restrictions, ongoing violence, and the inability to replenish supplies or transfer patients.
Both hospitals are currently operating beyond their capacity as casualties continue to surge. Additionally, there is a significant shortage of medical supplies and medications resulting from a prolonged total blockade, which has only been partially alleviated, with minimal humanitarian aid being allowed in amidst overwhelming needs.
WHO stresses that the closure of these hospitals would have catastrophic ramifications for patients requiring surgical care, intensive services, blood transfusions, cancer treatments, and dialysis. If such a shutdown occurs, it would result in the loss of 490 hospital beds, reducing the total available beds in Gaza to less than 1,400—40% fewer than prior to the current conflict. This poses a dire challenge for the 2 million residents who rely on these critical health services.
Following nearly 20 months of devastating conflict, the Palestinian territory is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. The population is grappling with relentless bombardments, forced displacements, and acute food scarcity, leading to further deterioration of living conditions.
Summary
The WHO is urgently calling for the protection of Al-Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals in Gaza, which are the last functioning public health facilities in Khan Younès. Without these hospitals, essential healthcare access will be lost for the majority of the local population already suffering from a healthcare system that is nearing collapse. The situation is exacerbated by existing movement restrictions, ongoing violence, and a dire shortage of medical supplies, leading to overcrowding and overextended resources in these hospitals.
The potential closure of these facilities could lead to catastrophic effects on patient care, significantly diminishing the number of available hospital beds in the region. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is one of the worst in the world, characterized by destruction from conflict, forced displacement, and rampant food shortages.
