WHO urges Israel to list fuel as life-saving supply

GENEVA

The World Health Organization on Thursday urged Israel to count fuel as a life-saving supply following the country's decision to not block the entry of water, food, and medicines into Gaza from Egypt.

Welcoming the decision taken on Wednesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press briefing in Geneva: "Fuel is also needed for hospital generators, ambulances and desalination plants."

"We urge Israel to add fuel to the life-saving supplies allowed to enter Gaza," Tedros said.

Noting that the trucks of WHO are loaded and ready to go, he said: "We are working with the Egypt and Palestine Red Crescent Societies to deliver our supplies into Gaza as soon as the Rafah crossing is opened, hopefully, tomorrow."

Regarding the loss of life in the recent deadly airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in northern Gaza, which killed hundreds and injured many others, he said that tolerance against such attacks will not be an option.

The director-general said: "The bomb that struck the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday night, and the loss of life it caused, regardless of who was responsible, cannot be tolerated."

"Bullets and bombs are not the solution to this situation," Tedros said. "War will bring nothing but destruction and horror, and it will do nothing to make the region more secure – in fact, the opposite."

He stressed that the only solution is dialogue, understanding, and peace.

At least 471 people were killed and 342 others injured in the Israeli airstrike on the medical facility, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel, however, has denied responsibility for the air raid.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza, under heavy bombardment and blockade, is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.