Healthcare Situation in Gaza 'Beyond Critical': IFRC Chief
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Jagan Chapagain, the secretary general and CEO of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stated that the healthcare situation in Gaza is beyond critical, with the gap between needs and available support widening.
He also noted that many vulnerable people are lacking essential medical services.
"Civilian population in Gaza have suffered enough, and healthcare stands as one of the last remaining beacons of hope," Chapagain said on X.
He added, "I remind all parties that the right to access healthcare must be upheld even in times of conflict. Once again, I call for safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers so they can continue their life-saving work."
The Red Crescent reported that Israeli forces continue to target and besiege al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, with the military shelling the fourth floor of the building and causing severe damage to infrastructure. Gunfire led to a patient getting trapped, who was eventually evacuated with difficulty. The Israeli military also targeted fuel tanks.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 127 people have been killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza in the past 24 hours, bringing the toll to 28,985 since October 7.
The ministry stated on its Telegram channel that 68,883 people have been wounded since Israel launched its brutal campaign in Gaza. Israeli forces prevented ambulance and civil defense crews from reaching some of the wounded and people under the rubble, the ministry added, noting that "13 massacres" were committed against families in Gaza.
Israeli forces across the Gaza Strip have repeatedly besieged and raided hospitals, alleging that the facilities were being used as a base by Hamas fighters.
Hamas denies the accusation, and the Israeli military has shown no concrete proof of such command centers.
Targeting hospitals in any circumstances is prohibited under international laws, and rights organizations have accused Israel of repeatedly flouting human rights laws in its war on Gaza.
