WHO warns that Israeli incursion may lead to closure of Rafah’s only remaining hospital

Amid escalating tensions in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, a World Health Organization official has issued a dire warning about the potential consequences of a full Israeli incursion. Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for Gaza and the West Bank, expressed concern that the last hospital in Rafah could cease to function, leading to a significant increase in deaths.

As Israeli tanks reportedly advanced into the center of Rafah, Peeperkorn emphasized the critical role of the hospital in providing essential medical care to the population. He outlined a grim scenario in which a full incursion would force medical personnel to treat patients in ill-equipped field hospitals, resulting in a rise in mortality and morbidity.

The recent airstrike on a tent camp in Rafah, which claimed the lives of at least 45 people, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for an end to the violence. Israeli officials stated that the strike targeted Hamas operatives and was not intended to harm civilians.

With only one hospital in Rafah currently operational and limited access to medical supplies due to the closure of the Rafah crossing, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. Peeperkorn highlighted the challenges faced in delivering essential medicines and equipment to Gaza, noting that the closure of the crossing has severely impacted humanitarian relief efforts.

As the conflict in Rafah continues to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life.