The WHO chief states that the critical condition of a key hospital exemplifies the “nightmare unfolding throughout Gaza”

During a visit to a severely damaged hospital in northern Gaza, World Health Organization (WHO) officials, including Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, observed dire conditions of acute hunger and escalating desperation among the people. The WHO team, in collaboration with partners such as the United Nations and World Central Kitchen, supplied essential resources to Al-Shifa hospital on Saturday.

Tedros described the situation at Al-Shifa as a smaller representation of the widespread crisis in Gaza. The region is grappling with critical shortages of medicines, food, power, water, and, most crucially, safety. His statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, noted that these shortages are severely affecting the population.

On their mission, the team delivered 19,200 liters of fuel for generators to Al-Shifa, which is currently sheltering around 50,000 displaced individuals, according to Tedros. He reported that the hospital’s surgery wing was overwhelmed with Gazans seeking refuge and safety.

Tedros highlighted the imminent risk of famine in Gaza, with people in desperate need of food. He recounted the extreme measures people are taking, including grabbing supplies from delivery trucks.

The WHO mission also visited various maternity hospitals, witnessing the shortage of staff, fuel, food, water, and pain medication. At Al-Shaba maternity hospital, only three doctors are managing to deliver approximately 20 babies daily, including conducting C-sections.

Tedros stressed that hospitals, which should be safe havens for care and recovery, are instead places of danger and relentless suffering in Gaza.

It is important to note that Israel has intensely scrutinized Gaza’s hospitals since its offensive in the region began in October, alleging that Hamas is using medical facilities for military purposes. CNN has not been able to verify this claim. Israeli political and military leaders argue that any misuse of Gaza’s hospitals by Hamas could justify Israeli military actions under international humanitarian law.