Gaza War: WHO Issues Dire Warning of Impending Bloodbath in Rafah as Israel Plans Military Operation

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm over the potentially catastrophic consequences of an imminent military operation by Israel in the southern border city of Rafah. In a statement released on its official platform, WHO expressed grave concern that the planned push into Rafah could result in a "bloodbath" of unprecedented proportions.

According to WHO, over 1.2 million people are currently seeking shelter in Rafah, with many unable to relocate elsewhere due to the dire circumstances. The organization emphasized that any new wave of displacement would exacerbate the already severe overcrowding in the area, further restricting access to essential resources such as food, water, healthcare, and sanitation services. This, in turn, could lead to increased outbreaks of diseases, heightened levels of malnutrition, and additional loss of life.

WHO highlighted the precarious state of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza, revealing that only 33 percent of the region's 36 hospitals and 30 percent of primary healthcare centers are functional to some extent. These facilities are grappling with repeated attacks and acute shortages of vital medical supplies, fuel, and personnel.

The organisation urgently called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to prevent further escalation of the crisis. It also urged the removal of barriers hindering the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance into and across Gaza, emphasizing the critical need for intervention on a scale commensurate with the severity of the situation.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his government's determination to launch a military offensive in Rafah with the aim of rooting out the remaining strongholds of Hamas. Despite mounting international concern and calls for restraint, Netanyahu appears resolute in his commitment to pursue military action in the region.

The escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza have raised fears of a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe, prompting urgent appeals from humanitarian organisations and world leaders for de-escalation and diplomacy to avert further bloodshed. However, with Israel pressing ahead with its military plans and WHO warning of the dire consequences, the situation remains precariously poised on the brink of a potentially devastating conflict.