“The situation is dire and perilous” the WHO raises alarm over the dire conditions, exacerbated by the vagaries of ‘war’ at the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza

The World Health Organisation raised alarm as Gaza’s largest hospital stopped functioning owing to sever wartime shortages in lieu of the ongoing Israel- Hamas ‘war’. In Gaza, 20 out of 36 hospitals are now non-functional, according to the United Nations' humanitarian agency.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, the Director General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the situation in ‘dire and perilous’ and urged for an immediate ceasefire. “@WHO has managed to get in touch with health professionals at the Al-Shifa hospital in #Gaza. The situation is dire and perilous. It's been 3 days without electricity, without water and with very poor internet which has severely impacted our ability to provide essential care. The constant gunfire and bombings in the area have exacerbated the already critical circumstances. Tragically, the number of patient fatalities has increased significantly. Regrettably, the hospital is not functioning as a hospital anymore. The world cannot stand silent while hospitals, which should be safe havens, are transformed into scenes of death, devastation, and despair. Ceasefire. NOW” posted the WHO Director General.

As the conflict persisted in the surrounding areas, thousands of Gazans have sought refuge near Al-Shifa hospital. As per reports presented by the UN agencies, approximately 3,000 patients and staff find themselves stranded at the hospital complex without sufficient water and food, according to UN agencies. In addition to two infants in incubators, a man also lost his life when his ventilator stopped functioning due to a power outage.

In north Gaza, the situation remains dire as Israeli forces block access to hospitals, preventing them from providing necessary care. According to medical staff cited by Reuters, at least two newborns have already died at one hospital, with more infants at risk due to power outages.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that the Al-Quds hospital in Gaza City is also non-operational because of a shortage of generator fuel.