A plane carrying important health supplies from WHO's logistics hub in Dubai has landed at Al-Arish airport in Egypt. These supplies will be delivered to Gaza to help meet the critical health needs of the people there. However, they can only be delivered once humanitarian access through the Rafah crossing is established.

Urgent Need for Supplies

Every hour that these supplies remain on the Egyptian side of the border, more people, including vulnerable and disabled individuals, may lose their lives. It's heartbreaking to know that these life-saving supplies are less than 20 kilometres away from those who need them the most.

What's Included in the Supplies?

The supplies consist of trauma medicines and health supplies that can treat 1200 wounded patients and 1500 patients with heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Additionally, there are basic essential health supplies to serve the needs of 300,000 people, including pregnant women.

There are also trauma pouches with enough medicines and supplies to treat 235 wounded people. These pouches are crucial because many hospitals in Gaza are either not functioning or overwhelmed. With limited movement due to fighting, these supplies will ensure that injured individuals can receive immediate, life-saving care wherever they are.

Collaboration for Delivery

WHO will be working together with the Egyptian and Palestinian Red Crescent Societies to ensure the transportation and delivery of these supplies through Egypt and into Gaza. Cooperation between these organizations is essential to make sure the supplies reach the people who need them.

Request for Humanitarian Crossing

On October 9th, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. They discussed the urgent need for health and humanitarian supplies in Gaza. President El-Sisi agreed to a request from WHO to facilitate the delivery of these supplies through the Rafah crossing.

While the Egyptian side of the crossing is accessible, the Israeli side remains closed. It is crucial to open a humanitarian crossing through the Rafah border into Gaza to ensure the safe delivery of life-saving supplies, as well as fuel, water, food, and other essential items for survival. The protection of healthcare workers, patients, and civilians is also of utmost importance.

Immediate Action Needed

The critically injured, the sick, and the vulnerable cannot wait any longer. Too many lives have already been lost. WHO joins the calls for an immediate opening of a humanitarian crossing through the Rafah border into Gaza. It is essential to ensure the safe delivery of life-saving supplies and the well-being of the people in Gaza.