GENEVA, April 13, 2026 (WAFA) – The World Health Organization's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhi, stated that Israel's ongoing restrictions on the entry of medical aid into the Gaza Strip are hindering the health response, warning that the spread of diseases in Gaza threatens the entire region.
In a press statement on Monday, Balkhi emphasized that the deteriorating situation in Gaza is no longer solely linked to attacks, but now also includes obstructing access to health services, endangering the lives of the population.
She added, "We clearly see that access to healthcare is severely threatened. The health system is operating at maximum capacity, with drastically dwindling resources, limited access, and rapidly increasing needs." She noted that life-saving supplies are available but are not reaching the Strip.
Balkhi explained, "Trucks, medicines, and medical supplies are waiting, while patients are not receiving care or are receiving it only in very limited quantities." Most crossings into Gaza are closed, and the flow of medical aid is severely restricted, undermining the entire health response.
She noted that fuel entering Gaza is far below the required level, forcing hospitals to operate on a rotational basis.
Balkhi emphasized that the fuel shortage threatens the continuity of health services, stating, "Without fuel, hospitals will cease to function, and this poses a risk not only to the hospitals but to the entire health system."
She also pointed out that the recent escalation has impacted the ceasefire, which was intended to facilitate the entry of aid and ensure medical evacuations.
Balkhy stated that medical evacuations lack regularity, depriving critically ill patients of access to life-saving care.
She added that the reconstruction of Gaza, both infrastructure and housing, could take decades, creating an environment conducive to increased disease and exacerbated health needs.
Balkhi explained that since the ceasefire began, only 388 patients have been evacuated, including 47 children, and reported that the organization has contributed since October 2023. In the evacuation of 3,668 patients.
K.T
