Mental health burden in Gaza is ‘unimaginable’: WHO
Speaking from Gaza, Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization’s representative in the Palestinian territories, said health needs in the densely populated Strip were “immense” because of the “large-scale devastation of the health system”.
Just 57 of the 142 primary healthcare centres are operational, along with 11 field hospitals. Before the ceasefire, many attempts to deliver critical aid to Gaza were impeded because of strict restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities.
The flow of health aid has now begun to rise, Peeperkorn said. WHO has received 62 delivery trucks and 22 more were expected over the next two days. He said hospitals at least now had fuel to operate. Peeperkorn said the mental health burden in Gaza was “unimaginable”.
Only 480 patients have been medevaced since May 6. “If we continue at this pace we have, we will be busy for the next 15 years,” said Peeperkorn.
Growing danger to pregnant women, babies in Gaza
Israel’s 15-month war on Gaza, as well as severe restrictions it imposed on the flow of humanitarian aid and Israeli forces’ attacks on health facilities and targeting of healthcare workers, have led to “life-threatening danger” for pregnant women and babies, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a new report.
Despite the ongoing ceasefire, the precarious conditions under which women in Gaza are giving birth are unlikely to improve, the group noted in the report published this week.
Belkis Wille, HRW’s associate crisis, conflict and arms director, told Al Jazeera that “despite the fact that the ceasefire could provide an opportunity for the healthcare system in Gaza to begin to be restored, because of the laws coming into effect, banning the operations of UNRWA, the reality is that these coming weeks may lead to pregnant women and newborns suffering even more than they already have”.
Mother of released Israeli captive says daughter held in UNRWA facilities
Mandy Damari, the mother of released Israeli captive Emily Damari, says her daughter was held by Hamas inside UNRWA facilities in Gaza, prompting the UN agency to demand a probe to investigate the “grave” allegations.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli dual national, was among the first captives to be released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. In a post on X thanking British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Mandy Damari said “Hamas held Emily in UNRWA facilities and denied her access to medical treatment after shooting her twice”.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees told Ynet News the claims were “very grave allegations” that must be investigated.
Released British-Israeli captive Emily Damari, right
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