Tedros Ghebreyesus, secretary-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed profound concern over the potential consequences of Israel's planned ground offensive in Rafah. He warned that such a large-scale military operation could result in a bloodbath and exacerbate the already dire state of the health system in the region.
In a statement, Ghebreyesus emphasized that any assault on the ground in Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million Palestinians reside, would result in catastrophic consequences.
“We are deeply concerned that a large-scale army operation in Rafah will further weaken the collapsed health system,” Ghebreyesus said.
“A new wave of displacement would exacerbate overcrowding, further restrict access to food, water, sanitation and health services, increase disease outbreaks, worsen hunger and lead to more casualties,” said Ghebreyesus.
Calling for a cease-fire to prevent further massacres in Rafah, Ghebreyesus said: “WHO calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the removal of obstacles to the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip on the scale required.”
Source: Newsroom