WHO: Rafah Conditions Hinder Medical Effort

Dr. Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the World Health Organization, confirmed that the Israeli occupation forces' incursion into Rafah has led to the displacement of medical teams while essential fuel supplies remain scarce, especially after the near halt of UN humanitarian relief operations following the recent escalation that began three weeks ago.

Dr. Harris stated that the challenging conditions have often prevented medical teams from performing the necessary surgeries to save the limbs of the injured. "Doctors are forced to make terrible decisions to amputate limbs to save lives," she said.

She elaborated, "We see people who should not be dying, dying in front of you simply because you either lack the tools, skills, or supplies needed to do what must be done."

Dr. Harris highlighted the difficult circumstances under which medical teams are operating, saying, "Meeting needs is a tremendous struggle for all medical teams, and this is one of the hardest things for a doctor or nurse." According to the UN Information Center, all hospitals are really struggling and making decisions about what they can do, pointing out that fuel is critical for running hospital generators, bakeries to provide food, and water desalination plants, which only received ten percent of the fuel they needed last week.

The ongoing shortage of clean water and sanitation services has also led to a rise in acute respiratory infections and diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea, as well as hepatitis, according to Dr. Harris.