The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of severe consequences if Israel proceeds to the planned military operation in the city of Rafah, located on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, reported DPA.
The offensive in Rafah will lead to a "bloodbath", says a WHO statement, distributed on the social network "X". More than 1.2 million people are currently sheltered in the border town, with many unable to go elsewhere. If Israel were to launch a ground operation, it would trigger a new wave of displacement, "further limit access to food, water, health and sanitation services, lead to more outbreaks of disease, further spread of hunger and to more human victims", the world organization also writes.
According to the WHO, only 33% of Gaza's 36 hospitals and 30% of primary care centers are functioning to some degree amid incessant Israeli attacks and shortages of vital medical supplies, fuel and personnel.
The WHO calls for an "immediate and permanent ceasefire and the removal of obstacles to the delivery of the necessary quantities of emergency humanitarian aid to and throughout Gaza".