WHO warns delayed aid entry into Gaza could have devastating consequences
The World Health Organization has warned that repeated delays in getting medicines, prosthetics and other medical supplies into Gaza could have devastating consequences for people who urgently need treatment. The warning came as the agency called on Israeli authorities to ease pressure on medical shipments and allow humanitarian and health supplies to enter in a predictable way. It said approved aid can currently enter only through Kerem Shalom, while Rafah is limited to the movement of people, including patients travelling for treatment abroad.
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Reinhilde Van De Weerdt, the WHO representative in Palestine, said a truck carrying the wrong supplies, or the right supplies arriving too late, does not save lives. She said essential medicines should not be treated as dual-use items, arguing that they are globally accepted medical standards needed to run hospitals and clinics. Van De Weerdt also said one shipment of prosthetics and assistive devices had been rejected four times over the past six months.
The WHO said medicines are moving relatively well compared with other medical items, with almost 87% approved and just over 1% rejected. But it said delays in other categories are still creating serious problems for patients, especially those who have lost limbs and are waiting for prosthetic support. The agency said every rejection adds another delay for people trying to recover mobility and resume daily life.
The warning comes as Gaza's health system continues to face severe strain and as winter begins, increasing the need for shelter and medical support. Van De Weerdt said almost two million people need shelter to protect against cold and flooding, adding to health and safety risks. She also said health workers in Gaza are still risking their lives but do not have enough supplies to provide the care patients need.
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The WHO said its request has not changed: it wants the unimpeded and predictable entry of humanitarian and health supplies into Gaza at scale. It also called for a multi-crossing model so aid is not forced to move through a limited number of entry points. Four other main crossings into Gaza - Kissufim, Gate 96, Erez and Erez West - remain closed and under total Israeli control, according to the agency.
What remains unclear is how quickly the current restrictions on medical shipments could be eased, or whether the rejected prosthetics consignment will be approved on a future attempt. The WHO said it continues to press for wider access as patient needs grow and winter conditions add further pressure. The situation will be watched for any change in crossing policy, shipment approvals and access for patients needing treatment outside Gaza.
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