WHO denies more aid is available in Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) denied on Tuesday that there had been a significant increase in the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, as announced by Israeli authorities, and denounced the "catastrophic situation" in the local health system.

The head of the WHO office for the occupied Palestinian territories, Rik Peeperkorn, said via video conference that aid “is not at all reaching the necessary levels,” despite Israel recently guaranteeing that there would be pauses in the fighting for this purpose.

According to Peeperkorn, this is partly due to very slow and bureaucratic procedures, but also to the fact that Israel continues to block the entry of certain supplies, including medical supplies.

The WHO official recalled that, during the ceasefire that was in effect for several weeks, between mid-January and March, between 400 and 600 trucks entered Gaza daily, which, in addition to alleviating the population's hunger, led to a drop in food prices and a diversification of the food supply, helping to combat malnutrition.

In terms of health, this period allowed the WHO to renew hospital reserves.

"None of that is happening now," Peeperkorn said, adding that the organization intends to resupply hospital units, especially in light of the new offensive announced by the Israeli Army, which intends to occupy Gaza City.

Currently, half of hospitals and a third of primary care centers are operating only partially or at very limited capacity, and in all cases, patient numbers exceed capacity by two to three times.

"We also have a severe shortage of medicines and supplies. At least 52% of the drugs and 68% of the supplies are out of stock," he emphasized.