WHO Raises Alarm over Ongoing Escalation across Region

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the Regional Director of WHO, has expressed serious concern regarding the escalating situation in the Middle East, marked by "lethal attacks on civilians, political institutions, and critical infrastructure," which "are swiftly increasing the likelihood of a broader conflict."

In a statement, Balkhy said civilian populations already ravaged by violence, hunger and disease, do not deserve to be further threatened.

“Health systems must be rebuilt, not devastated, and further developed so that they can withstand further shocks that could potentially affect us all, like the next pandemic,” she stressed.

On the escalating political tensions, she affirmed that “all diplomatic efforts must be made to prevent this worrying situation from spiraling further.”

This came just two days the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called Monday for an urgent de-escalation in the Middle East as tensions mount in the wake of recent deadly attacks linked to the war in Gaza, which is about to enter its 10th month.

In a statement, Volker Türk said: “I am deeply worried about the rising risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East and plead with all parties, along with those States with influence, to act urgently to de-escalate what has become a very precarious situation.”