Gaza is experiencing a health catastrophe that will last for generations to come, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that a massive increase in aid is needed to begin to address the complex needs of the Strip's population.
Israel has allowed more medical supplies and other aid to cross into Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect on 10 October, but Dr. Tedros said levels are below those needed to rebuild the territory's healthcare system.
His intervention comes as the US attempts to shore up the ceasefire it helped to broker following an outbreak of violence at the weekend.
The agreement has been described by the White House as the first phase of a 20-point peace plan that includes an increase in the amount of aid entering Gaza and ensures supplies are distributed without interference from either side.
Dr. Tedros welcomed the ceasefire deal but expressed concern that the increase in aid has been smaller than expected.
Asked about the situation on the ground, he stated that Gazans have experienced famine, overwhelming injuries, a collapsed healthcare system, and outbreaks of disease fueled by the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure.
He continued: On top of that, [there is] restricted access to humanitarian aid. This is a very fatal combination, making the situation catastrophic and beyond words.
He added: If you take the famine and combine it with rampant mental health problems, then the situation is a crisis for generations to come.
Tom Fletcher, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, noted earlier this week that aid groups are turning the tide on the starvation crisis but that far more was needed.
The UN's World Food Programme reported that over 6,700 tonnes of food had entered Gaza since 10 October but emphasized that this was still far below their 2,000-tonnes-a-day target.
Dr. Tedros criticized the current flow of aid, stating that 600 aid lorries a day are necessary but the average currently hovers between 200 and 300. He urged Israeli authorities to de-link aid from the wider conflict.
On Sunday, aid deliveries were temporarily halted after two Israeli troops were killed in an attack by Hamas gunmen in Gaza, leading to a series of Israeli airstrikes that resulted in dozens of Palestinian fatalities.
Dr. Tedros stated that aid should not be weaponized and called for unconditional delivery, especially after the release of living hostages.
He emphasized the necessity of ensuring full access for aid groups and restoring operational crossing points to effectively respond to the humanitarian needs.
As Israel continues military operations following the 7 October attack that took the lives of approximately 1,200 individuals, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains precarious.
The UN has estimated that $70 billion will be required for Gaza's reconstruction, with 10% dedicated to rebuilding the healthcare system, underscoring the urgent need for global support and intervention.
