Gaza Hospital Faces Disease Outbreak Risk Amid Intensive Fighting, Says WHO Chief, Palestinian Territory

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the dire conditions at Gaza’s European Hospital, warning of the increased risk of disease outbreaks. Amid the ongoing intense fighting in Khan Younis, the hospital currently houses 22,000 people who have been displaced. However, restricted access to the hospital further exacerbates the situation. The WHO Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized that these overcrowded and inhumane conditions pose serious risks to patients, healthcare workers, and those without a safe place to shelter. With the hospital’s capacity stretched beyond limits, essential departments including emergency, intensive care, surgery, wound care, child and neonatal care, as well as laboratory and radiology services, are facing severe functionality constraints. The lack of access to clean water and sanitation compounds the problem, creating a breeding ground for disease outbreaks. Ghebreyesus reiterated his plea for a cease-fire to address the mounting crisis. The military onslaught by Israel has already claimed the lives of over 27,000 people in the Gaza Strip since October 7, resulting in widespread destruction and mass displacement, further aggravating the precarious conditions and pushing Gaza towards potential famine.