The United Nations Security Council received urgent updates today regarding the dire health crisis in Gaza, as high commissioner for human rights Volker Cherk highlighted the catastrophic impact of ongoing military operations on hospitals. Cherk emphasized that the destruction of these facilities not only strips Palestinians of essential healthcare but also denies sanctuary to thousands seeking refuge from violence.

In his briefing, Cherk reported that over 1,050 medical professionals have lost their lives due to the conflict, underscoring the severe toll on healthcare workers. He called for independent investigations into Israeli attacks on medical facilities and personnel, as well as the alleged misuse of these sites during combat.

Rick Pieperkorn, the World Health Organization representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, further detailed the crisis, revealing that approximately 7% of Gaza's population has been killed in the last 14 months of fighting. He noted that the healthcare system is nearing collapse, with only 16 out of 36 hospitals still partially operational. Pieperkorn warned that over 12,000 individuals in Gaza require urgent medical evacuation, projecting that it could take 5 to 10 years to address their needs at the current pace.

Additionally, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs raised alarms about the increasing pressure on civilians to relocate within the already beleaguered Gaza Strip. The situation remains critical, with humanitarian access and healthcare resources dwindling rapidly. The discussions at the Security Council today highlight the urgent need for international attention and action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.