The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stressed on Wednesday that continuous deliveries of medical supplies to Gaza are “vital”, as ten WHO trucks departed El-Arish, Egypt, for the Kerem Shalom crossing into Israel and onward to Gaza.
The trucks are carrying essential medicines, lab equipment, and water testing supplies, while two more trucks with medical aid and blood units are set to follow on Thursday.
“All WHO supplies will be delivered into Gaza together with three trucks from our health partners,” Tedros said on X, reiterating that safe, unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire remain critical.
“Peace is the best medicine,” he added.
Israel has imposed a full blockade on Gaza since March 2, following the breakdown of ceasefire talks. Although some aid began trickling in by late May, severe shortages have sparked warnings of famine and hunger-related deaths.
This week, Israel announced daily pauses in some military operations and opened safe corridors for UN agencies and humanitarian groups to distribute food and aid to Gaza’s over 2 million residents.
The WHO says Gaza’s health system is on the verge of collapse, with most hospitals non-operational due to airstrikes and chronic shortages of medical supplies, food, and clean water.
According to WHO data, the agency managed to send in 9 trucks on June 25, 4 on June 28, 11 on July 8, and 6 more on July 20 — but far more is needed.
The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Around 50 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza.
