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

The situation in Rafah, a southern Gaza city, is becoming increasingly dire as Israeli forces continue their offensive. According to a World Health Organization official, Richard Peeperkorn, the last hospital in Rafah could cease to function if Israel launches a “full incursion” into the city.

Peeperkorn warned that if the incursion persists, a significant number of deaths could be expected as the already ill-equipped field hospitals would not be able to handle the influx of patients. With only one hospital barely functional in Rafah, the closure of the El-Najar Hospital has left hundreds of dialysis patients without access to essential medical care.

The recent airstrikes and tank shelling by Israel have resulted in a high number of casualties, including civilians. A tent camp in a western district was set ablaze, killing at least 45 people, while 21 Palestinians were killed in tank shelling on an area with tents housing displaced individuals.

The closure of the Rafah crossing, a major entry point for humanitarian relief, has severely impacted the delivery of medical supplies into Gaza. Peeperkorn highlighted the challenges faced by WHO in getting essential medicines and equipment into the region, with 60 trucks waiting in Al-Arish, Egypt, to enter Gaza.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder also raised concerns about the lack of access to clean water in Rafah, with residents having only around one litre per day, well below emergency levels. The escalating crisis in Rafah underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance to prevent further loss of life.