WHO Calls for Ceasefire and Protection of Medical Facilities Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis

The mission, which spanned two days, encountered significant challenges, including delays at multiple checkpoints and extensive security screenings.

On October 21, a WHO-led joint mission successfully transferred 14 patients and 10 caregivers from Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, amidst intense hostilities and severe access restrictions. Despite an initial agreement for logistical support, the delivery of critical medical supplies, blood, and fuel—essential for the operational capacity of Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda hospitals—was denied just hours before the mission began on October 20.

The mission, which spanned two days, encountered significant challenges, including delays at multiple checkpoints and extensive security screenings. The team was forced to spend the night at Kamal Adwan Hospital as they were not cleared to proceed to Al-Shifa due to ongoing conflict in the area. Heavy bombardment continued near the hospital throughout the night, causing considerable distress among patients, health workers, and the mission team. The transfer to Al-Shifa Hospital did not occur until around midday on October 21. During transit, all patients had to undergo security screenings, with some on stretchers left lying on the ground for extended periods, and reports of humiliating treatment directed at partner staff during the process.

This mission marks the fourth WHO operation in Northern Gaza since October 1. Out of 21 missions requested by WHO this month, only 6 were successfully facilitated; the majority faced denials or significant impediments.

Kamal Adwan Hospital, while still partially operational, is struggling to meet the rising demand due to intensified hostilities and a critical shortage of medical supplies and fuel. A strike reported on October 22 caused damage to the hospital’s gate. Currently, the hospital is treating 95 patients, including 15 in intensive care (four of whom require continuous life support), and has received at least 200 severely injured individuals and 53 deceased bodies over the past two days. Ongoing hostilities and damaged roads are severely hampering safe access to the facility. Without adequate access for patients, ambulances, and healthcare workers, along with necessary resupplies, the hospital risks becoming non-functional.

As the situation deteriorates in Northern Gaza, WHO expresses deep concern for the remaining functional hospitals—Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda—calling for their protection. The complete absence of healthcare in Northern Gaza would exacerbate an already catastrophic situation, resulting in further loss of life.

One year on, healthcare facilities continue to be targeted and deprived of necessary supplies and fuel. WHO’s capacity to regularly reach health facilities has been severely limited due to mission delays and denials.

WHO reiterates its urgent calls for:

Unimpeded access to health facilities

Timely facilitation of medical missions

Sustained aid flow into and across Gaza

Protection of healthcare workers and facilities

A ceasefire to prevent further loss of life

Humanitarian Crisis: The ongoing conflict has left many healthcare facilities in Gaza under severe strain, with shortages of medical staff and essential supplies.

International Response: Various humanitarian organizations are calling for international pressure on the involved parties to ensure the protection of medical facilities and the facilitation of aid.

Patient Stories: Many patients require urgent care and interventions that are now unavailable due to the conflict, highlighting the dire humanitarian implications of continued violence.

The current situation underscores the urgent need for collaborative international efforts to secure humanitarian access and protect the vulnerable population in Gaza.