Peeperkorn reported that hospitals are particularly overwhelmed by the volume of patients injured in or near food distribution zones, which have also led to persistent shortages of blood and plasma. According to WHO data, since 27 May, at least 1,655 people have been killed in these areas and more than 11,800 have been wounded.

Life-saving medicines such as antibiotics, anesthesia drugs, and chronic disease treatments are running out, forcing doctors to ration supplies and perform surgeries without adequate resources. The collapse of primary healthcare services has left thousands without access to routine and preventive care, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

The World Food Programme has warned that hunger and malnutrition in Gaza are at their highest levels since the escalation began in October 2023. Doctors Without Borders confirmed last month that the enclave is now experiencing the “worst-case scenario” for famine, with child malnutrition reaching what it described as “unimaginable levels.”

WHO officials stressed that without immediate and sustained humanitarian access, the health and food crises will continue to worsen, with preventable deaths from starvation and disease increasing rapidly.