The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the Israeli delay in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning of a “chronic shortage” of medical supplies as the enclave’s health system remains on the brink.
Speaking to reporters in Geneva from Jerusalem, WHO Representative for the occupied Palestinian territory Rik Peeperkorn said the health situation in the Gaza Strip “remains absolutely catastrophic,” with none of its hospitals operating at full capacity.
“Sufficient quantities of humanitarian aid are not entering Gaza certainly not enough to effectively expand and restore health services,” Peeperkorn said.
Approval System Blamed as Major Obstacle
Peeperkorn pointed to ‘Israel’s’ approval system for the entry of medical supplies and other humanitarian aid as a major obstacle, describing it as an “arduous and time-consuming process with no guaranteed results.”
According to the latest WHO analysis, large quantities of medical supplies have been awaiting entry authorization for an average of 74 days, Peeperkorn said, adding that if approval is not granted, “we have to start this long and complex process all over again.”
He explained that the approval system is constantly changing as new rules are introduced.
Critical Equipment “Repeatedly Rejected”
Peeperkorn noted that essential medical supplies commonly used worldwide have the lowest approval rates, while X-ray machines, sterilization equipment, spare parts for CT scanners, and other critical equipment are “repeatedly rejected.”
“In the past six months alone, a shipment of prosthetic limbs and assistive devices was rejected on four separate occasions,” he stated.
Medicines, however, are proceeding “relatively well,” with approximately 87 percent approved and only 1 percent rejected, he noted.
‘Behind Every Delay, There Is a Patient Waiting’
“It is not a matter of a single obstacle; rather, it is an entire system of compounding delays—and behind every delay, there is a patient waiting,” Peeperkorn said.
“We need humanitarian and health supplies to enter Gaza regularly, in large quantities, and without hindrance,” he urged.
Peeperkorn expressed hope that Israel would “at least ease restrictions on medical supplies,” calling for the opening of more crossings into the Strip and the provision of “clear, public guidelines” regarding procedures and requirements.
Success Not Measured in Trucks, but in Health Needs Met
He added that success should not be measured by the number of trucks crossing the border, explaining that this “reflects very little about whether the population’s actual health needs are being met.”
“A truck loaded with non-priority supplies or the arrival of appropriate supplies too late does not save lives,” he said.
The UN statements come amid what the report describes as ‘Israel’s’ continued intransigence regarding the fulfillment of its obligations under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, particularly concerning the entry of essential aid and logistical supplies into the Strip.
Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar)