WHO calls for international cooperation to rebuild Gaza's health system after ceasefire agreement

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the international community to increase financial support for aid work in Gaza after a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas, ending 15 months of conflict in the area.

Part of the ceasefire agreement calls for 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza every day from when the deal comes into effect on January 19. (Source: Reuters)

The United Nations (UN) health agency wants member states, donors and the global community to join hands to support urgent health needs and the long-term reconstruction of Gaza's health care system.

Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the Israeli-controlled Palestinian territories, affirmed on January 16 that "the UN cannot respond alone."

Part of the ceasefire deal calls for 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza every day from when the deal comes into effect on January 19.

According to Mr. Peeperkorn, WHO is ready to deploy operations, although there are still "security and political barriers to the delivery of aid throughout Gaza" that need to be removed.

Mr. Peeperkorn called on all sides to respect the ceasefire agreement.

“This is the time for member states, donors, and the global community to step up and provide flexible funding to meet both immediate needs and long-term goals,” Peeperkorn added.

In addition, the cost of rebuilding the health system in Gaza is huge, estimated at $3 billion next year and $10 billion over the next six or seven years, although these are only initial figures.

"WHO is committed to addressing the urgent health needs of people in Gaza now and after the ceasefire comes into effect. This will be a huge task as less than half of Gaza's hospitals are currently functioning," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/who-keu-goi-quoc-te-chung-tay-tai-thiet-he-thong-y-te-gaza-sau-thoa-thuan-ngung-ban-301213.html