According to Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for the occupied Palestinian territory, this figure represents 4.3 percent of Gaza's population, totaling 2.3 million people. Speaking via video link from Al-Quds during a United Nations briefing, Peeperkorn emphasized the dire circumstances confronting the rest of the population, struggling to secure basic needs such as safety, food, health, and warmth.
Central Gaza is experiencing an escalation of hostilities, further hindering access to existing health facilities, Peeperkorn noted. Beyond healthcare, the humanitarian crisis extends to food insecurity and water contamination, creating conditions favorable for the spread of infectious diseases.
Peeperkorn provided alarming statistics, including over 245,000 recorded cases of respiratory infections, 160,000 cases of diarrhea among children under five, and nearly 70,000 cases of scabies and lice. Malnutrition has become a significant concern, exacerbated by limited food distribution within Gaza.
The WHO representative highlighted attacks against healthcare facilities, reporting 342 recorded attacks resulting in 627 fatalities and 783 injuries. Additionally, 61 health workers are currently detained, further straining the healthcare system.
As thousands of Palestinians flee from northern Khan Younis to Rafah in southern Gaza, Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, described Rafah as "a pressure cooker of despair," already hosting over half of Gaza's population.
Hamas officials stated on Friday that they are considering a proposed ceasefire deal involving prolonged pauses in fighting in Gaza and the exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners. The resistance group remains committed to its initial demands for a permanent ceasefire, seeking the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners held in detention for alleged security offenses.