The World Health Organisation has warned that Gaza’s health system is in ruins after two years of war, stressing that rebuilding it is critical not only to saving lives but also to achieving lasting peace in the region.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy, said that Gaza’s health services have been “shattered” and are now “on the brink of total collapse.”
“When the fighting stops, a new struggle will begin – to rebuild Gaza’s health system and rescue an entire population from the edge of famine and despair,” she said.
According to WHO estimates, reconstruction will cost more than $7 billion, covering immediate humanitarian response, early recovery, and long-term rebuilding of the territory’s devastated health infrastructure.
“Rebuilding Gaza’s health system will not only save lives today; it will restore dignity, stability, and hope for the future,” Dr. Balkhy added.
Two years into the conflict, the humanitarian toll remains dire. Balkhy said more than half a million people are now “trapped in famine-like conditions,” while another one million are severely food-insecure.
Since January, 455 people, including 151 children, mostly under five, have died from malnutrition, according to Palestinian health authorities.
UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell said in a statement that “in the last two years, a staggering 64,000 children have reportedly been killed or maimed across the Gaza Strip, including at least 1,000 babies.”
“Famine persists in Gaza City and is spreading to the south, where children are already living in dire conditions,” she added.
UNICEF reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and urged Israel to ensure full protection of civilians and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, in line with international law.
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