TheCable

Tedros Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), says the agency has lost touch with its staff in Gaza. 

In a post on X(formerly Twitter) on Friday, Ghebreyesus said the staff includes health workers and humanitarian partners who are on the ground.

He said the situation is worrisome because their safety and the health of vulnerable people are at risk.

He called for the immediate protection of all civilians and full humanitarian access.

“We have lost touch with our staff in Gaza, with health facilities, health workers and the rest of our humanitarian partners on the ground,” he wrote.

“This siege makes me gravely concerned for their safety and the immediate health risks of vulnerable patients.

“We urge immediate protection of all civilians and full humanitarian access.”

Telephone and internet services have been cut off in Gaza, with Palestinian telecoms provider, Jawwal, saying that Israel’s bombardment had destroyed “all remaining international routes connecting Gaza to the outside world”.

In yet another post on Saturday, Ghebreyesus said the WHO is still out of touch with its staff.

He appealed for a ceasefire, saying the evacuation of patients has become impossible and ambulances are unable to reach the injured.

“Reports of intense bombardment in Gaza are extremely distressing,” he added.

“Evacuation of patients is not possible under such circumstances, nor to find safe shelter.

“The blackout is also making it impossible for ambulances to reach the injured.

“We are still out of touch with our staff and health facilities. I’m worried about their safety.

“WHO appeals to all those who have the power to push for a ceasefire to act NOW.”

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday voted for an immediate humanitarian truce in the war.