WHO warns of ‘devastating consequences’ due to delayed aid entry into Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of "devastating consequences" if aid, including life-saving medicines and prosthetics, is not quickly delivered to Gaza. Palestinian officials urgently require these supplies, which can only enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing at the southern tip of the territory, with Rafah only allowing limited movement for people, including those requiring medical treatment abroad.

Reinhilde Van De Weerdt, WHO's representative in Palestine, emphasized that a delayed truck of non-priority supplies or the right supplies arriving too late can mean the difference between life and death. She urged Israeli authorities to release pressure on medical supplies, stating that essential medicines should not be considered dual use as they are globally accepted standards needed everywhere for hospitals and clinics.

Despite this, one shipment of prosthetics and assistive devices has been rejected four times over the past six months. Van De Weerdt noted that medicines generally move well, with nearly 87% approved and just over 1% rejected. The WHO is seeking unimpeded and predictable entry of humanitarian and health supplies into Gaza at scale, along with a multi-crossing model to prevent aid from being limited to only a few crossings.

Currently, four other main entry points - Kissufim, Gate 96, Erez, and Erez West - remain closed and under Israeli control. Van De Weerdt praised the resilience of Gaza's health workers but expressed concern for their lack of adequate supplies. As winter approaches, the urgency to deliver aid increases as nearly two million people need shelter to protect against cold and flood risks, exposing them to serious health and safety dangers.

The situation also poses heightened risks of preventable disease outbreaks due to lack of safe shelter and clean water, compounded by a high number of rats transmitting infections, a challenge exacerbated by destroyed public health laboratories.