In a rare and emotional statement, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged Israel to show “mercy” in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, warning that the conflict is inflicting catastrophic suffering and long-term harm on both Palestinians and Israelis.
Fighting back tears during a press briefing in Geneva, Tedros, 60, drew from his own experience growing up in war-torn Ethiopia to describe the trauma of civilians in Gaza. “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,” he said, referencing his own post-traumatic stress disorder. “You can imagine how people are suffering. It’s really wrong to weaponise food. It’s very wrong to weaponise medical supplies.”
The appeal came as the United Nations began delivering the first humanitarian aid into Gaza since Israel enforced a complete blockade on March 2. Around 90 truckloads of supplies were sent into the besieged enclave, where over two million people remain trapped amid ongoing violence, widespread displacement, and the collapse of basic services.
Tedros emphasized that only a political solution could bring lasting peace, calling on Israel to recognize that such a path would ultimately serve its own interests. “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.”
WHO Emergencies Director Dr. Michael Ryan described the situation in Gaza as “systematic destruction,” warning that 2.1 million people face imminent danger due to starvation and the collapse of the health system. “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.
According to the WHO, only 19 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional, with four forced to suspend operations just in the past week due to proximity to fighting or evacuation orders. Ninety-four percent of the hospitals in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, and just 2,000 hospital beds remain available across the entire territory—far below what is needed.
“The destruction is systematic,” the WHO said in a statement. “Hospitals are rehabilitated and resupplied, only to be exposed to hostilities or attacked again. This destructive cycle must end.”
