WHO regional head: some Gazans drink sewage water amid dire humanitarian crisis
(MENAFN) Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the World Health Organization's Eastern Mediterranean regional director, Hanan Balkhy, has issued a stark plea for immediate aid access to Gaza, where the situation has reached dire levels. Balkhy has highlighted the harrowing reality faced by many Gazans, stating that some are resorting to drinking sewage water and consuming animal feed for sustenance.
The ramifications of the conflict extend beyond the borders of Gaza, with Balkhy warning of its knock-on impact on healthcare across the broader region. The already fragile healthcare infrastructure is under immense strain, exacerbating the suffering of civilians and posing significant challenges for medical professionals.
Of particular concern are the lasting effects on children, as emphasized by Balkhy, who is a child health expert. The deprivation and trauma experienced by Gaza's youth during this protracted conflict are likely to have severe and enduring consequences on their physical and psychological well-being.
The escalation of violence, triggered by Hamas's attack, has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with civilians bearing the brunt of the casualties. Israel's retaliatory measures, including bombardments and ground offensives, have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with thousands of lives lost and countless others displaced or injured.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid and access to essential resources in Gaza becomes increasingly evident. The international community faces a pressing moral imperative to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza and address the broader ramifications of the conflict on regional healthcare systems and the well-being of civilians.
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