{
  "id": 11536521,
  "title": "WHO decries delays getting aid into Gaza",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/who-decries-delays-getting-aid-into-gaza-11536521",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T21:16:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/10/03/who-decries-delays-getting-aid-into-gaza"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed grave concerns over the dire health situation in Gaza, exacerbated by the chronic delays and shortages in receiving humanitarian aid. As of Friday, the organization reported that none of Gaza's hospitals are fully functional and that extensive delays persist in getting medical supplies through Israel.\n\nReinhilde Van de Weerdt, WHO's representative in the Palestinian territories, lamented that the health situation remains utterly dire due to the lack of sufficient aid. She emphasized that the current humanitarian aid is insufficient to facilitate a meaningful recovery of health services in Gaza. Van de Weerdt highlighted that the approval process for medical and other humanitarian supplies by Israel is a significant bottleneck, noting that it is laborious, time-consuming, and uncertain.\n\nAccording to the latest WHO analysis, a median of 74 days is required for clearance of large volumes of medical supplies, with delayed approval processes causing further setbacks. The WHO representative added that the approval system frequently undergoes changes with new regulations being introduced. She specifically criticized the low acceptance rates for standard health kits used globally and the regular rejection of essential items like X-ray machines, sterilization equipment, and spare parts for CT scans.\n\nVan de Weerdt also pointed out that the rejection of such items is particularly frustrating given the critical need for them in healthcare settings. She stressed that the approval system is a complex web of delays that directly impact patients' lives. The WHO official called for unimpeded and predictable entry of humanitarian and health supplies into Gaza at scale, urging Israel to release the pressure on medical supplies.\n\nTo address the issue, Van de Weerdt recommended opening more crossings into Gaza and requesting clear, published guidance on approval processes and requirements. She pointed out that measuring success solely in terms of the number of trucks crossing the border is inadequate, as it does not reflect whether the actual health needs of the population are being met. The Gaza conflict, which began with Hamas's attack against Israel in October 2023, has left vast destruction and resulted in over 74,000 casualties, as reported by Gaza's health ministry under Hamas authority.",
  "summary": "The World Health Organization says Israel's approval system for medical and other humanitarian supplies is a major bottleneck.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Investing.com",
        "title": "Evacuated in an incubator, now back in Gaza getting to know mama",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/evacuated-in-an-incubator-now-back-in-gaza-getting-to-know-mama",
        "published": "2026-10-02T05:18:34.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Evacuated in an incubator, now back in Gaza getting to know mama",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/evacuated-in-an-incubator-now-back-in-gaza-getting-to-know-mama-11372089",
        "published": "2026-10-02T05:46:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "WHO decries delays getting aid into Gaza",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/who-decries-delays-getting-aid-into-gaza",
        "published": "2026-10-02T21:01:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "WHO decries delays getting aid into Gaza",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/who-decries-delays-getting-aid-into-gaza-11535797",
        "published": "2026-10-02T21:16:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}