WHO delivers fuel and equipment to northern Gaza, a first since May 13
For the first time since May 13, the World Health Organization (WHO) managed to reach the north of the Gaza Strip to deliver fuel and equipment to Al-Ahli hospital, its boss announced on Wednesday .
“The Al-Ahli Hospital takes care twice as many people as for which it is designed, it lacks surgery equipment and the staff is not paid”, wrote Tedros adhanom ghebreyesus. For the time being, no heavy surgery “Cannot be carried out in the evening, for lack of specialized staff”explained Mr. Tedros, adding that WHO is trying to deploy a team on site.
Under difficult conditions and “Intense hostilities”, WHO’s mission was able to deliver 15,000 liters of fuel – essential for hospital generators and electricity production -, but also 14 medical beds, drugs and trauma equipment to cover the needs of 1,500 people. The mission also made it possible to escort five ambulances of the Palestinian Red Crescent to help restore health services in the north of the enclave.
The missions towards the north of the Gaza Strip are made very difficult by the fuel shortage, but also the destroyed roads, the rubble and the lack of safe access, also underlined Mr. Tedros. The Israeli army control points are also a source of delays, which prevented the mission from accessing another nearby hospital, he said.