The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp in Rafah, Gaza, which killed at least 45 people, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 250 others. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, has been widely criticized for its devastating impact on the already fragile healthcare system in Gaza.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the ongoing violence in Rafah has pushed the healthcare system in Gaza to the brink of collapse. Only one-third of Gaza's hospitals are partially functional, struggling to meet the needs of patients due to a lack of adequate supplies, equipment, fuel, and exhausted staff. He urged Israel to "open the Rafah crossing" and ensure that humanitarian missions can proceed in a timely manner.
The latest attack is part of an ongoing military campaign that has turned much of the Gaza Strip into ruins, leaving over 1 million people displaced and at risk of famine. The conflict has been ongoing since October 7 last year, with Israel killing over 36,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah, but the attacks continue.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has called for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians and healthcare workers. The attack occurred near the logistics base of UNRWA in Tal al-Sultan, and has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and international leaders.
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