WHO
A logo is pictured at the World Health Organization (WHO) building in Geneva, Switzerland, February 2, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

WHO Issues Dire Warning Over Impending Crisis in Rafah Amid Threat of Military Operation

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning, cautioning against the potential consequences of an impending military operation in Rafah, Israel.

The organization highlighted the risk of a “bloodbath” if the planned push into the southern border city proceeds.

WHO emphasized that over 1.2 million people are currently sheltering in the area, with many unable to relocate elsewhere.

“A new wave of displacement would exacerbate overcrowding, further limiting access to food, water, health and sanitation services, leading to increased disease outbreaks, worsening levels of hunger, and additional loss of lives,” it said.

According to the WHO, only 33 per cent of Gaza’s 36 hospitals and 30 per cent of primary health care centres were functional in some capacity amid repeated attacks and shortages of vital medical supplies, fuel, and staff.

WHO called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the removal of the obstacles to the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance into and across Gaza, at the scale that is required.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to launch an offensive in Rafah to eliminate the remaining strongholds of Hamas.