GENEVA: United Nations (UN) agencies expressed optimism on Friday as a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas came into effect, raising hopes for the resumption of aid delivery to the Gaza Strip, which has been badly impacted by weeks of relentless Israeli bombardments. The World Health Organization (WHO) also announced plans for additional hospital evacuations to address the pressing healthcare situation.
Aid agencies have been striving to provide much-needed supplies to the northern part of the Palestinian enclave, where hospitals have suffered extensive damage due to the Israeli bombings and faced fuel shortages. The humanitarian focus is on addressing concerns related to dehydration and potential disease outbreaks in the region.
Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), confirmed that trucks with humanitarian supplies were crossing into Gaza through the Rafah crossing point. However, when asked about guarantees from Israel regarding aid delivery to the north, Laerke stated, “We proceed on the basis of the hope and the expectation that we will reach people in need, where they are.”
Evacuation of Gaza Hospitals
Meanwhile, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier highlighted ongoing efforts to evacuate more hospitals in Gaza. Expressing extreme concern for the safety of patients and health workers at Al Shifa, he refrained from commenting on the Gaza health ministry’s statement about suspending cooperation with WHO amid reports of Israel holding medical staff for questioning. A WHO statement on this matter is expected later on Friday.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, through its local partner, mobilized a convoy of ambulances heading north to evacuate patients from Ahli Baptist Hospital. Tommaso Della Longa, a spokesperson for the organization, expressed hope that the temporary cessation of hostilities would provide an opportunity to reach all people in Gaza, including areas in the north that were previously inaccessible.
