UN agencies condemn humanitarian crisis in Gaza hospitals amid Israel-Hamas conflict

UN agencies have expressed deep concern over the dire situation unfolding in Gaza's hospitals as the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies. In a joint statement, representatives from the UN Children's Agency and the WHO criticized the lack of basic supplies and the perilous conditions faced by patients, especially children recovering from amputations.

The agencies highlighted the devastating impact of Israeli strikes on the already fragile healthcare infrastructure, with most of Gaza's hospitals now non-operational due to damages sustained in attacks. The spokesperson for the UN Children's Agency, James Elder, voiced anger, stating, "I'm furious that children who are recovering from amputations in hospitals are then killed."

Nasser Hospital, Gaza's largest operational medical facility, has faced two shelling incidents in the past 48 hours, exacerbating the crisis. The UN agencies reported that hospitals are grappling with shortages of fuel and staff, while those still open are under increasing pressure due to continuous strikes and a rising number of patients.

Margaret Harris, the spokesperson for the WHO, described the situation as "unconscionable," emphasizing the severe lack of basic necessities. She recounted harrowing scenes of people lying on the floor in extreme pain, pleading not for pain relief, but for water. Amid the escalating conflict, the agencies questioned the safety of hospitals, shelters, and designated safe zones for children and families.