The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken "crucial steps" in the face of a large-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah, Dr. Ahmed Dahir, Team Lead of its office in Gaza, told UN News on Tuesday.
The current situation has reached an "unprecedented emergency level", he said, and the most recent evacuation orders by Israel has forced the displacement of tens of thousands of people.
As part of the contingency effort, WHO and partners have been establishing field hospitals and supporting restoration of the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, which will be used as a main referral hospital and with the aim of re-establishing basic health services.
"We have instated a large warehouse in Deir Al Balah and we moved the majority of supplies to ensure rapid access and movement of supplies to Khan Younis, Middle Area and north Gaza," he added.
Hospitals already 'overloaded'
There are currently three hospitals operating in Rafah, including the Emirati Maternity Hospital, and over the past weeks WHO has been ensuring that they are fully prepared and supported in terms of medical supplies.
Dr. Dahir said the hospitals are already "overloaded with patients" and recent developments have affected access. He cited the example of Al-Najjar Hospital, which provides dialysis services for more than 100 patients.
"Unfortunately, the hospital is among the blocks which were ordered by the Israeli Government for evacuation, so patients are afraid to seek services," he said.
"We are also hearing that there are many patients who are being admitted in this hospital who start to move from the hospital."
