Dr Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative in Palestine, said vital medical supplies are fast running out in Gaza’s remaining hospitals as border crossings remain shut due to Israel’s ground assault on Rafah.
“There are 60 WHO trucks standing in El Arish [in Egypt] ready to get into Gaza. So again, this plea: The Rafah crossing needs to be opened not just for medical supplies, but for all other humanitarian supplies,” Peeperkorn said.
“We have distributed an enormous amount of essential emergency medical supplies, but it’s not enough. This is such an overwhelming disaster,” he said.
“When there would be a sustained ceasefire, and there would be entry routes into Gaza which are properly managed. When there is a deconfliction mechanism which actually facilitates and supports, much more is possible,” he added.
