Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
October 8, 2025 Humanitarian aid
Two years after the start of the war in Gaza, the World Health Organization is preparing for the "day after the conflict" and already has a "clear vision of where and how to move forward." This was stated by WHO Regional Director Hanan Balkhi, speaking to reporters on the eve of the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to Balkhi, amid the diplomatic efforts in Gaza, "there is finally a glimmer of hope that the end of the war is near."
The system is on the verge of collapse
According to the WHO, of the 36 hospitals in the sector, only 14 are functioning – and even then only partially, due to a lack of electricity, water, medicines, and damaged infrastructure.
The WHO, which provides all fuel supplies for hospitals and ambulances, has already delivered 17 million liters. However, as Balkhi emphasized, "much more is needed."
There is also an urgent need to deliver vital medications, from antibiotics to bandages.
Hunger and exhaustion
The situation is exacerbated by hunger and malnutrition. According to Palestinian authorities, 455 people have died of malnutrition since January, including 151 children, mostly under five. More than half a million residents are living in "famine-like conditions," and over a million more suffer from severe food shortages.
"Seven out of 10 pregnant and breastfeeding women are malnourished, one in five babies is born underweight or premature, and infectious diseases are on the rise," Balkhi warned.
WHO and its partners are supporting specialized stabilization centers for treating severely malnourished children and are working to open additional facilities. However, as the organization's representative noted, long-term recovery requires "restoring food systems, water supply, and sanitation—the foundations of public health."
Destroyed clinics and exhausted medical staff
Of the 176 primary health centers, "only a third remain partially functional." The WHO regional director called for the urgent restoration of these facilities to restore "vaccinations, obstetric care, pharmacies, and psychosocial services" to the enclave's residents.
"Gaza's doctors, nurses, and paramedics are stretched to the limit, and they are also suffering losses. More than 1,700 healthcare workers have died since October 2023. Those who continue to work need protection, wages, and psychological support," Balkhi said.
"Better than before"
The WHO estimates that restoring the health sector will cost over $7 billion. These funds should be allocated to both the "humanitarian response and early recovery" and "long-term needs."
"This is a necessary investment in the peace and stability that health brings," Balkhi stressed, calling on donors to provide "flexible, predictable, and multi-year funding" that will allow Palestinian institutions to lead the process.
"When we carry out reconstruction work, we must work with the principle of 'building back better,'" the regional director noted. "Gaza's healthcare system must be more resilient and equitable than it was before the war."
She said hospitals should be equipped with renewable energy sources, clinics with clean water systems, and health information networks should be modernized to help "track disease outbreaks and plan further actions."
The WHO "remained and operated in Gaza throughout every bombing and power outage," Balkhi emphasized. The agency "became the primary provider of medicines and equipment," providing over 22 million treatment courses and surgeries, as well as arranging the evacuation of over 7,800 critically ill patients.
“We stood by Gaza’s medical workers when they had nothing left but courage – and we will stand by them now,” concluded the WHO regional director.
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