WHO Chief Describes ‘Hellish’ Conditions in Gaza, According to Reuters

GENEVA (Reuters) – The leader of the World Health Organization (WHO) made a heartfelt appeal for a ceasefire and a genuine resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict during a meeting with the organization’s governing body, describing the situation in Gaza as “hellish.”

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who experienced war in his childhood and witnessed his own children seeking shelter during bombings in Ethiopia’s border conflict with Eritrea, expressed deep emotion while discussing the dire circumstances in Gaza, where over 25,000 lives have been lost.

“I firmly believe, based on my own experiences, that war leads only to more war, hatred, suffering, and destruction. Let us choose peace and address this issue through political means,” Tedros stated during the WHO Executive Board’s discussions about the health crisis in Gaza.

He emphasized the need for a two-state solution and expressed hope that the ongoing conflict would transition toward a lasting resolution, breaking down as he described the situation as “beyond words.”

The conflict intensified when Israel initiated military action to dismantle Hamas following the group’s attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals—predominantly civilians—and the abduction of over 200 hostages taken to Gaza.

Israel’s ambassador responded to Tedros’ remarks, criticizing them as a failure of leadership. She stated, “The director-general’s statement epitomizes the shortcomings of the WHO since October 7. There was no acknowledgment of the hostages, the violence against Israelis, or Hamas’ exploitation of hospitals for military activities.”

Additionally, she accused the WHO of overlooking Hamas’ military actions within medical facilities in Gaza.

In his address, Tedros also cautioned that the death toll in Gaza would continue to rise due to starvation and disease, highlighting the severity of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. “When you consider all these factors, it is difficult to grasp just how horrific the situation is,” he added.