The World Health Organization’s (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has described conditions at Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital as “appalling,” urging immediate protection of healthcare and calling for a ceasefire. Tedros revealed that a UN health agency team and its partners managed to access the hospital amid hostilities and explosions in the surrounding areas. He added that Israeli authorities had arbitrarily blocked four attempts to reach the facility over the past week, including the re-deployment of an international medical team forced to evacuate on December 6 due to ongoing violence.

The WHO chief highlighted the devastating impact of recent attacks on the hospital, which damaged essential infrastructure, including oxygen supplies, power generators, and even patient rooms. Windows and doors have been shattered, worsening the already dire conditions for patients and healthcare workers. Tedros expressed grave concern over the escalating crisis, stating, “The conditions in the hospital are simply appalling. We urge for the protection of healthcare and for this hell to stop! Ceasefire!”

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue their offensive in Gaza, with airstrikes killing at least 10 people in Gaza City. The relentless bombardment has further crippled Kamal Adwan Hospital, knocking out power generators and intensifying the humanitarian catastrophe.