Tatjana C. Disteli

It is only through dialogue, mutual understanding and finding common ground that we can ever hope to find a resolution to the crisis in #Gaza, and to the many other crises in our troubled world. #EBSpecial nitter.gq/WHO/status/17337771848…

#Gaza’s health system is on its knees and collapsing. The @WHO Executive Board Members are discussing a resolution to protect the health of the people in the occupied Palestinian territory. My full remarks: bit.ly/4agZyFO #EBSpecial

In the past days, the sound of war has quieted, giving millions of children and adults the chance to look to the sky without fear of rockets streaking their way. I add my support for this desperately needed respite in the conflict in #Gaza to continue. It has allowed limited amounts of medical supplies, fuel and food to enter the enclave. But much more is needed. It has enabled health workers, @WHO and partners to support the ailing, injured and terrified. But much more assistance is needed. It has provided a window to assess the immense needs in hospitals, and how to urgently stockpile them with medical supplies and more. Replenishments of food and water may contribute to reversing the dire hygiene challenges in the Strip. And, finally, it has stopped the killing and maiming of people of all ages. The temporary ceasefire has brought some relief. It facilitated the release of hostages. But we cannot be satisfied with just these gains. If military operations resume, so will the casualties, suffering, drastic supply shortages, and despair. The only response is sustained ceasefire. Now. The only lasting solution is peace.

It is so disheartening that 1 in 3 women are still exposed to physical, emotional and psychological violence. Violence thrives in silence. We must break it. We must act to create a world where every woman feels safe, respected, and free from the fear of violence. #NoExcuse

Today @WHO, @UN partners and @PalestineRCS safely transferred 22 patients and 19 companions from Al-Ahli hospital in northern #Gaza to the south. The patients are suffering from gunshot wounds, amputations and burns. They are currently in European Gaza hospital, which is itself managing twice the number of patients it was designed for. Two days ago, WHO led another joint-UN mission to transfer 151 patients, relatives and health workers from Al-Shifa hospital. The mission was undertaken under intense fighting, following specific requests from health authorities and hospital officials in Gaza. Thanks as well to @UNOCHA, @UNRWA and @UNDSS. To meet all the health needs in Gaza, much more support is needed and above all sustained ceasefire.

My colleagues and I are devastated: we have lost one of our own in #Gaza today. Our young @WHOoPt colleague Dima Alhaj was tragically killed alongside her 6 month old baby, her husband and 2 brothers. Reportedly multiple other family members sheltering in the same house were also killed. I have no words to describe our grief. This loss comes on top of other losses in the @UN family since 7 October: 108 @UNRWA colleagues have been killed. This horror must end. All humanitarians and civilians must be protected. Ceasefire. NOW.