WHO chief voices 'extreme' concern over resumption of fighting in Gaza

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The World Health Organization (WHO) chief on Friday said that he is "extremely concerned" about the resumption of fighting in Gaza, as the humanitarian pause came to an end earlier in the day.

"We are extremely concerned about the resumption of fighting in Gaza," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who heads the UN agency, said on X.

Stressing that the ongoing hostilities have crippled the health care system, he warned, "Gaza can’t afford to lose any more hospitals or hospital beds," referring to how almost all of the hospitals in the strip had to close or stop offering care due to chronic shortages and ongoing Israeli attacks.

"We need a ceasefire. A ceasefire that holds," he urged. "A ceasefire that progress to peace."

At least 109 Palestinians have been killed and many others injured in Israeli airstrikes on the blockaded Gaza Strip since the humanitarian pause – which went into effect a week ago – ended, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Israel's attacks resumed just after the humanitarian pause ended, as Israeli officials had pledged, though political leaders and civic groups worldwide had implored Israel to hold off.