WHO chief warns Gaza facing generational health catastrophe

WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the scale of disease, malnutrition and injury in the enclave is “beyond words”.

He said famine, collapsed sanitation systems, and mental health issues have created a “fatal combination”, adding that the crisis would leave “a legacy for generations to come”.

Although Israel has allowed more aid into Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas began on Oct 10, Ghebreyesus said the volume remains far below what is needed to rebuild the health system.

He urged Israel to “de-link” humanitarian aid from the conflict and restore full access through all crossings, warning that supplies such as hospital tents were being confiscated over “dual-use” concerns.

“Peace is the best medicine,” he said, adding that medical and humanitarian aid should not be “weaponised” or tied to negotiations over the return of captives’ remains.

The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., includes commitments to increase aid deliveries.

However, Ghebreyesus said only 200 to 300 aid lorries are entering daily, compared with the 600 required.

The UN’s World Food Programme said 6,700 tonnes of food have entered Gaza since Oct 10, far short of its target of 2,000 tonnes per day.

The UN estimates that rebuilding Gaza could cost US$70 billion (about RM332 billion), with Ghebreyesus saying least 10% needed to restore its shattered health sector.

Ghebreyesus also said thousands of Palestinians are still waiting for medical evacuation flights, adding that hundreds have already died before being flown out for treatment.

He warned that despite the ceasefire, sporadic violence continues to claim lives.