In a fervent appeal for the protection of health facilities, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an immediate cessation of attacks on hospitals in Gaza. His plea follows reports of strikes and raids on medical facilities amid escalating violence in the region.

“Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds, and the health system is under severe threat,” Tedros wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He underscored the urgent need for access to healthcare and humanitarian aid, emphasizing, “Ceasefire!”

The Israeli military targeted Gaza City's Al Wafa hospital on Sunday, stating it was aiming at Hamas militants allegedly operating from the facility. According to Gaza’s civil defense, the strike claimed seven lives. Additionally, on Friday, Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan hospital, detaining over 240 Palestinians, including its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. Israeli authorities allege the hospital served as a Hamas command center and that Abu Safiya is a suspected Hamas operative.

Tedros condemned the detention of Abu Safiya, demanding his immediate release. He also reported attacks on other facilities, including Al-Ahli hospital, and highlighted the WHO's efforts to provide emergency aid. Supplies, food, and water have been delivered to Gaza’s Indonesian hospital, while 10 critical patients were transferred to Al Shifa hospital—four of whom were detained during the transfer.

“We urge Israel to ensure that healthcare needs and rights are upheld,” Tedros stated.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the health ministry reporting over 45,500 deaths and more than 108,000 injuries since the onset of Israel's military offensive following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Tedros himself narrowly escaped harm last week during an Israeli strike on Yemen’s main airport.

As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, global calls for de-escalation and protection of medical facilities continue to grow.