WHO chief calls for ceasefire as Israel continues attacks on hospitals in Gaza

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus yesterday expressed grave concern over Israel’s attacks on hospitals in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and health workers.

“It is appalling that hospitals in Gaza continue to be attacked,” he said on X, adding: “Lives depend on an immediate and unconditional cease-fire. It’s time to silence the gunfire and deliver peace!”

The appeal came after the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza was struck on the third floor soon after a WHO-led mission visited the facility. Six child patients were injured in the attack, one critically.

Shortly after the @WHO-led mission to Kamal Adwan Hospital yesterday, the facility’s third floor was reportedly hit again, injuring six children who are patients there. One child sustained a critical injury. Water tanks were damaged. Heavy bombardment persisted very close to the… pic.twitter.com/wbApI0odRU

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 4, 2024

Following the attack, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said medical teams were also injured in the attack, while staff could not move between departments and were struggling to save their injured colleagues.

“It seems that a decision has been made to execute all personnel who refused to evacuate the hospital,” the ministry said.

Nearby shelling continued as WHO staff delivered essential supplies including medical kits, 150 units of blood and 20,000 litres of fuel, Tedros said.

Despite these risks, the team also facilitated the transfer of 25 patients and 37 companions to Al-Shifa Hospital, he noted.

North Gaza ‘apocalyptic’; everyone at ‘imminent risk’ of death, warns UN

In addition, the WHO reached Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, where they managed to transfer five patients but were barred from delivering supplies, endangering the hospital’s operations, he added.

Tedros condemned the lack of protection for health care workers amid ongoing Israeli bombardments, which have also hindered humanitarian access.

Separately, he extended his thanks to Latvia, Slovenia, Türkiye, Northern Macedonia and Luxembourg for pledging $10.8 million to support the WHO Investment Round, noting that “every contribution counts.”

My thanks to Latvia, Slovenia, Türkiye, Northern Macedonia and Luxembourg for their new pledges to the @WHO Investment Round, totalling around $10.8 million at the #RC74CPH.

Every contribution counts. Thank you for the trust to #InvestInWHO. pic.twitter.com/dlArS3fSn2

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 4, 2024