Favour Ozioma Ogbodo
Following serious incidents in high-risk missions to transfer patients, deliver health supplies and others, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for immediate protection of humanitarian services in Gaza.
This request follows the detention of two Palestinian Red Crescent Society members (PRSC) for one hour, while a WHO staff was beaten, stripped, harassed, searched and made to kneel at gunpoint.
A statement issued by the organisation said this took place during a high risk mission by the WHO Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) team, in collaboration with the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the United Nations Office to Al-Ahi hospital in Gaza city on December 9, 2023.
It said the team had gone to deliver medical supplies and assess the situation in the hospital and to transfer critically-injured patients to the hospital in the south for special care.
“On the way North, the Un convoy was inspected at the Wadi Gaza Checkpoint, ambulance crew members vehicle were stopped to be identified.
“Two Palestinian Red Crescent Society members (PRSC) happened to be detained for one hour. A WHO staff was beaten, stripped, harassed, searched and made to kneel at gunpoint,” it stated.
The WHO said it, and partners, remain firmly committed to staying in Gaza and assisting the population but as hostilities increase across Gaza, aids falls short of needs and the humanitarian support system is on the verge on falling apart.
The foremost health organisation, therefore, reiterated its call for a ceasefire and revival of healthcare facilities so as to deliver unhindered supplies of fuel, medicine and other essential aids to those in need.
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