WHO DG Pleads With Israel For Mercy Amid Ongoing Gaza Crisis

Fighting back tears, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday made an impassioned appeal for mercy and peace in the Gaza conflict, urging Israel to consider the humanitarian cost of the ongoing war.

Speaking at the WHO’s annual assembly, Tedros—who has often spoken about his own experiences growing up during conflict in Ethiopia—called on all sides to pursue a political solution, warning that continued violence would bring no lasting resolution and is inflicting profound suffering.

“I can feel how people in Gaza would feel at the moment. I can smell it. I can visualise it. I can hear even the sounds. And this is because of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder),” Tedros said, visibly emotional.

“You can imagine how people are suffering. It’s really wrong to weaponise food. It’s very wrong to weaponise medical supplies.”

His remarks came as the United Nations began distributing around 90 truckloads of humanitarian aid into Gaza—the first delivery since Israel imposed a total blockade on March 2.

Tedros stressed that peace is in Israel’s own interest, urging an end to hostilities.

“A call for peace is actually in the best interests of Israel itself. I feel that the war is hurting Israel itself, and it will not bring a lasting solution,” he said.

“I ask if you can have mercy. It’s good for you and good for the Palestinians. It’s good for humanity.”

‘In Imminent Danger of Death’

WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan echoed the urgency, warning that 2.1 million people in Gaza are “in imminent danger of death”.

“We need to end the starvation, we need to release all hostages and we need to resupply and bring the health system back online.”

Ryan said, adding from personal experience, “As an ex-hostage, I can say that all hostages should be released. Their families are suffering. Their families are in pain.”

The WHO reported dire shortages of food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and shelter in Gaza. Medical infrastructure continues to collapse under the pressure of the conflict:

Four major hospitals suspended services this week due to nearby fighting or forced evacuations.

Only 19 out of 36 hospitals remain operational, often under “impossible conditions”.

An estimated 94% of Gaza’s hospitals are damaged or destroyed, according to the WHO.

North Gaza has been“stripped of nearly all health care”.

Across the territory, only 2,000 hospital beds are currently available—a number the WHO says is “grossly insufficient” to meet the overwhelming medical needs.

“The destruction is systematic. Hospitals are rehabilitated and resupplied, only to be exposed to hostilities or attacked again.

This destructive cycle must end,” the WHO said in a statement.