The world commemorates World Health Day on 7 April, raising this year the slogan "My health is my right." This underscores the fundamental entitlement of every individual worldwide to access healthcare services, education, information, as well as essentials like safe drinking water, clean air, adequate nutrition, decent housing, and freedom from discrimination. However, amid these global celebrations, we are witnessing grave atrocities committed by Israel, the occupying power, over the span of 183 days, where genocide and war crimes are committed against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
In response to these egregious violations, Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector, unequivocally condemned the persistent transgressions by Israeli occupation forces. These violations flagrantly contravene human rights, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention, which safeguards civilians. The deliberate targeting and killing of women, children, and the elderly, along with the systematic bombing of hospitals and healthcare facilities, have resulted in devastating consequences. Medical personnel have been deliberately attacked, detained, and subjected to torture, leading to the collapse of Gaza's healthcare system. This ominous situation forebodes a looming health crisis, with the potential for widespread diseases, epidemics, and famine threatening thousands of lives. Those who survive the bombings face the spectre of hunger and illness without access to essential treatment and medical services.
Ambassador Abu Ghazaleh further deplored the continued obstruction of humanitarian aid by the occupying power, exacerbating health and humanitarian risks. She highlighted the profound impact of these actions on the well-being of mothers, children, and the elderly, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Furthermore, the Ambassador emphasised the collective responsibility of the World Health Organisation and the international community to shine a spotlight on the unprecedented health and humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Gaza Strip. Immediate action is imperative to halt the ongoing conflict, rebuild the shattered healthcare infrastructure, and ensure the sustainable delivery of vital humanitarian assistance to the Strip.
