'Israel' should restore energy, water supplies to Gaza: WHO Chief
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Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the WHO is "gravely concerned about the health and well-being of civilians in Gaza, who are suffering from bombardment and siege."
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World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (AFP)
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the Israeli authorities Tuesday to bring back water, electricity, and fuel to the Gaza Strip.
At the opening of the 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, Ghebreyesus said, "The attacks of Hamas and other armed forces on October 7 that targeted Israeli civilians were horrific and unjustifiable, and they should be condemned. At the same time, the WHO is gravely concerned about the health and well-being of civilians in Gaza, who are suffering from bombardment and siege," adding: "I appeal to Israel to restore supplies of electricity, water and fuel [...] to Gaza."
In addition, he backed Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary general, in his demand for a quick ceasefire for humanitarian reasons.
Read: UN chief says 'deeply distressed' by Israeli siege of Gaza
"I call for an immediate and safe release of hostages taken in Gaza by Hamas and other armed groups, among them children, older people, and those who need urgent medical care. I continue to appeal to Israel and Hamas to abide by their obligations under the international law to protect civilians and healthcare," he added.
In the Kazakh capital of Astana, the 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe is scheduled to take place from October 24 to October 26.
On October 7, the Palestinian organization Hamas announced the launching of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood following a barrage of rockets fired and an infiltration operation into Gaza Envelope settlements. To completely cut off the Gaza Strip, home to over two million people, "Israel" began retaliatory strikes and issued an order to cut off fuel, food, and water supplies. Later, the embargo was loosened to let vehicles carrying supplies enter the Gaza Strip. Thousands of people have been murdered and injured during the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Read: WHO Director: Humanitarian aid for Gaza arriving Friday
