GENEVA: The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is inhumane, the head of the World Health Organisation said on Wednesday, calling the Palestinian territory a “death zone”.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and demanded unhindered access for international aid.

“The health and humanitarian situation in Gaza is inhumane and continues to deteriorate,” Tedros told a media briefing.

“Gaza has become a death zone. Much of the territory has been destroyed,” he added.

“What type of world do we live in when people cannot get food and water, or where people who cannot even walk are not able to receive care? “What type of world do we live in when health workers are at risk of being bombed as they carry out their life-saving work? “What type of world do we live in when hospitals must close because there is no more power or medicines to help save patients, and they are being targeted by military forces?” “We need a ceasefire now. We need hostages to be released. We need the bombs to stop dropping and we need unfettered humanitarian access. Humanity must prevail,” Tedros said.

Heavy fighting again rocked Gaza on Wednesday as aid agencies warned of looming famine and new talks were held in Cairo aimed at obtaining an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and prisoner release deal.

“Severe malnutrition has shot up dramatically since the war started, from under one per cent to more than 15 per cent in some areas, putting more lives at risk,” Tedros said.

“This figure will rise the longer the war goes on and supplies are interrupted. We note with apprehension that the World Food Programme cannot get into northern Gaza with supplies.”

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2024