Turkish health minister says war in Gaza left health system 'in ruins'

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The Turkish health minister on Wednesday said the war in Gaza is "against the basic human right to health" as it left the health system "in ruins."

Addressing a World Health Assembly (WHA) session on Palestine in Geneva, Fahrettin Koca said: "Israel has targeted hospitals in Gaza in a way that completely destroys treatment facilities. This is a war against the basic human right to health. Targeting hospitals is a war crime."

Regarding Israel's ongoing attacks on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, Koca said it is not only threatening the lives of 1.4 million civilians but also forcing over 600,000 civilians to flee the area.

"Israel is using hunger as a weapon of war," he said, as "food, water, and other basic needs are prevented from entering Gaza."

He stressed that besides the collapse of the health system, the world should consider the long-term consequences of inhumane living conditions, epidemics, malnutrition, and severe psychological trauma.

"Therefore, it is essential that the Israeli attacks targeting civilians in Gaza end immediately with a permanent cease-fire," the minister said.

Koca recalled Türkiye's decision to suspend all trade with Israel until a cease-fire is declared and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid is ensured.

"A permanent cease-fire must be achieved urgently. Our human dignity depends on the end of the tragedy in Gaza," he concluded.

The annual WHA began on Monday and will continue until June 1 under the theme of All for Health, Health for All at the UN office in Geneva. It is being attended by delegations from all WHO member states, NGOs, and prominent individuals.

Israel has launched a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023 following a Hamas attack, killing more than 36,170 people and injuring at least 81,400 others.

Nearly eight months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel stands accused of “genocide” at the International Court of Justice, which in its latest ruling has ordered Tel Aviv to immediately halt its operation in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.