World Health Organisation director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. - AFP
LONDON: With the death toll in Gaza, Palestine death reaching 20,000, World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the "carnage must stop."
"I have lost count of the number of times when I thought the crisis in Gaza could not get more horrific. But it has happened again," he said on X, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
He added that the casualty count in the besieged enclave in just over two months is "horrific" and a "travesty for humanity."
"The horrors are endless for those trapped in what has become a hell on earth," he said, adding that on average around 300 people are being killed daily in the besieged enclave.
Tedros also pointed out the dire situation of the healthcare system in the strip where only nine of Gaza's 36 hospitals are partially functioning, with none functioning in the north.
"The carnage must stop. We need a #CeasefireNOW," he said.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on Oct 7 and has killed more than 20,000 people, mostly women and children, besides causing mass displacement and destruction.
Tel Aviv has rejected growing calls for a ceasefire, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterating that "we are fighting until victory" and will not stop the war until the "elimination of Hamas and releasing all of our hostages."
Egypt, along with Qatar, helped mediate a weeklong ceasefire in November in which Hamas freed over 100 hostages in exchange for Israel's release of 240 Palestinian prisoners. – Bernama
I have lost count of the number of times when I thought the crisis in #Gaza could not get more horrific.
But it has happened again.
The fact we are talking about 20,000 people killed, mostly children and women, and with over 52,000 (and counting) afflicted by life-threatening... pic.twitter.com/vwXLeD6MkP
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) December 21, 2023
