Gaza: WHO appeals for massive aid influx ahead of winter

Repeated delays in bringing lifesaving medicines, prosthetics and more from Israel into Gaza risk having devastating consequences on Palestinians who urgently need them in the war-torn enclave, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday. “A truck full of non-priority supplies or the right supplies arriving too late, doesn't save lives. That's the question that actually matters," said Dr Reinhilde Van De Weerdt, WHO Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).Almost 12 months into a fragile ceasefire agreement between Hamas fighters and Israel marked by ongoing Israeli airstrikes and other military activity, Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains “overwhelming”, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. Approved aid can only be brought into the Strip via Kerem Shalom in the southern tip of the enclave, while Rafah (also in the south) is open for the limited movement of people including patients requiring medical treatment abroad. At least four other main entry points into Gaza for aid remain closed: Kissufim, Gate 96, Erez and Erez West.'Dual use' denials In a call to the Israeli authorities to “release the pressure on medical supplies”, Dr Van De W...