Unrwa Director In Gaza Shares Shocking Account Of Medical Crisis

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Director of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Affairs in Gaza, Scott Anderson recounted his harrowing experience at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, where he witnessed some of the most horrific scenes he has seen in his nine months in Gaza.

“This overstretched health facility admitted well over 100 of yesterday’s (Sunday) severely injured. With not enough beds, hygiene equipment, sheeting, or scrubs, many patients were treated on the ground without disinfectants. Ventilation systems were switched off due to a lack of electricity and fuel, and the air was filled with the smell of blood.

“I saw toddlers who are double amputees, children paralysed and unable to receive treatment, and others separated from their parents. I also saw mothers and fathers who were unsure if their children were alive. Parents told me in despair that they had moved into the ‘so-called humanitarian zone’ in the hope that their children would be safe there,” he said in a statement.

Anderson said the UNRWA team from the humanitarian community were doing everything possible to increase medical capacity in Gaza, where the health system has long been on the ropes.

“We provided referral services, as well as additional tents, beds, stretchers, disposables, and medications. But impediments to humanitarian operations prevent us from supporting people anywhere near the scale necessary,” he said.

Anderson said civilians must be protected at all times.

We urgently need a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, respite for the people of Gaza, and a meaningful opportunity for healing to begin,” he said.

Local health authorities confirmed that the Palestinian death toll from the Israeli onslaught since Oct 7 has risen to 38,584 reported fatalities, with an additional 88,881 individuals sustaining injuries, Palestine News and Info Agency (WAFA) reported Sunday.

--BERNAMA