WHO chief calls for ‘sustained’ access for health aid in Gaza

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday called for a “sustained” access for health aid in the Gaza Strip.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X that the WHO has called for the safe passage of additional aid convoys across the enclave, protection of all humanitarian workers and sustained access for health aid.

His remarks came after a humanitarian convoy of 20 trucks began to enter the Gaza Strip from the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, the first since the armed conflict broke out between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas.

The needs in Gaza are “far higher,” he added.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least 4,385 Palestinians, including 1,756 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.