Mon Dec 30 07:50:28 UTC 2024: ## WHO Condemns Attacks on Gaza Hospitals Amidst Ongoing Conflict
**Gaza City, December 30, 2024** – The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has strongly condemned the recent attacks on hospitals in Gaza, calling for an immediate end to such violence. His statement follows Israeli strikes on Al-Wafa hospital, which reportedly killed seven, and a raid on Kamal Adwan hospital, resulting in the detention of over 240 Palestinians, including medical staff and the hospital director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya.
The Israeli military claims that Hamas militants were targeted in the Al-Wafa hospital strike and that Kamal Adwan hospital was being used as a Hamas command center. They assert that those arrested were suspected militants and that Dr. Abu Safiya is suspected of being a Hamas operative. The WHO, however, insists on the urgent need for access to healthcare for the people of Gaza and calls for the immediate release of Dr. Abu Safiya.
The situation highlights the severe strain on Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system. The WHO reports delivering essential medical supplies and transferring critical patients, but notes that even these aid efforts have faced obstacles, including the detention of four patients during a transfer. According to Gaza’s health ministry, the ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 45,514 Palestinian deaths and 108,189 injuries since October 7, 2023. Tedros, who recently narrowly escaped an Israeli strike in Yemen, reiterated his plea for a ceasefire and an end to attacks on medical facilities.
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