WHO director-general says cease-fire in Gaza essential to end bloodshed

By Muhammet İkbal Arslan

GENEVA (AA) - World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the situation in Gaza on Sunday, saying that "without a cease-fire, there is no peace."

His statement came during his closing remarks at a special session of the WHO’s executive board, during which a resolution was adopted saying that "all parties to armed conflict must comply fully with the obligations applicable to them under international humanitarian law related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict and medical personnel.”

The executive board unanimously adopted the resolution addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the universal priority of health and the role of health services and humanitarian aid in building bridges to peace, even in challenging situations.

The resolution calls for the "immediate, continuous and unimpeded" delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, including access for medical personnel.

The statement included Tedros's closing remarks, where he emphasized that the adoption of the resolution “is only a starting point. It does not solve the crisis but provides a platform on which to build.”

​​​​​​Tedros urgently called on all member countries, especially those with influence, to work towards ending the conflict in Gaza as soon as possible, saying there can be no peace without a cease-fire, “and without peace, there is no health.”